Applying Social Identity Leadership Theory to Explore Students’ Engagement and Motivation in Dance

Authors

  • Athari Alshemmari Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8393-8591
  • Dave Collins Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Grey Matters Performance Ltd., Stratford upon Avon, England Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7601-0454
  • Wendy Timmons Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55578/fepr.2601.002

Keywords:

Group Cohesion, Teacher Leadership, Prototypicality, Encouragement, Improvement

Abstract

Dance is increasingly popular, with learners enrolling in dance classes to engage with diverse dance styles and acquire corresponding skills. However, as with any form of Physical Activity (PA), engagement in dance learning is influenced by a range of factors, including the leadership offered by teachers and coaches. Finally, it is important to see how this form of activity can be most effectively developed in non-Western societies. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to apply Social Identity Leadership Theory (SIL) to explore Kuwaiti students’ engagement in dance, as reflected in the perceived influence of their teachers. Data were collected from 230 Kuwaiti school students using a modified form of the Identity Leadership Inventory–Youth (ILI-Y). Analyses revealed a positive impact of SIL principles on students’ motivation to continue dancing, suggesting that students are more engaged when teachers foster a strong group identity, promote unity, and create an inclusive, supportive environment.

Author Biographies

  • Athari Alshemmari, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

    Athari Alshemmari is a PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh’s Moray House School of Education and Sport, sponsored by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). She holds an MSc in Applied Sport Science from Bangor University and has a professional background as a Physical Education teacher and instructor at the Kuwaiti National Operetta. Specialising in exercises combined with music, particularly ballet and gymnastics, Athari adopts a comprehensive approach integrating both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. Her research focuses on Physical Education contexts, bridging leadership theory, motivation, and professional development, while advancing cross-cultural perspectives on sport and dance practice.

  • Dave Collins, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Grey Matters Performance Ltd., Stratford upon Avon, England

    Dave Collins: Professorial Fellow at Edinburgh and Professor of Elite Performance at DCU. Dave researches and works as an applied practitioner in all aspects of performance psychology. As an academic, he has published over 450 papers and 90 books/book chapters. As a practitioner, he works with professionals in dance and sport.

  • Wendy Timmons, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

    Wendy M Timmons: With forty years of dance practice and several nominations as a dance educator, Wendy is a Senior Lecturer in Dance Science & Education, University of Edinburgh. Wendy publishes and presents her research internationally; her interests focus on applying scientific and pedagogical approaches to dance practice. Wendy is the convenor for the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland and Health and Wellbeing Trustee for Dance Base, the National Centre for Dance in Scotland.

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Published

2026-02-03

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting the findings of this study have been submitted to the University of Edinburgh DataShare repository and are currently under review; a DOI is pending. Until the DOI is issued, access to the data can be requested from the corresponding author, subject to ethical approval and confidentiality considerations.

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Athari Alshemmari, Dave Collins, Wendy Timmons (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Applying Social Identity Leadership Theory to Explore Students’ Engagement and Motivation in Dance. (2026). Frontiers in Educational Practice and Research, 2(1), 15-37. https://doi.org/10.55578/fepr.2601.002