Mental Performance Training  ·  Cheer & Dance

Dance State
of Mind

Championship teams master more than choreography. Train your athletes to perform at their peak, when it matters most.

Work With James Learn More
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14 National & World Championship Teams
8,000+ Athletes Trained Worldwide
13 Years in Cheer & Dance
130+ Countries Reached via Podcast
James Silvas with dance team

About James

Thirteen years on the floor with champions.

James Silvas is an International Mindset Specialist and Peak Performance Coach who teaches athletes, leaders, and high-performing teams how to clear their minds, break through fear, optimize their performance, and enhance the quality of their personal and professional lives.

James is the founder of Be That 1%, a movement, brand, and podcast that inspires others to live on their terms, overcome obstacles, and do what 99% of people won't. His podcast is ranked in the top 1% globally and has reached over 130 countries.

In the cheer and dance world, he has worked with Minnesota, UNLV, Memphis, University of Cincinnati, Boise State University, Seton High School, Academy of Holy Angels, Foothill High School, Dance Mania, and many others.

  • Top 1% Podcast
  • 12+ Countries
  • Nike • Caesars • MGM
  • Be That 1%

New levels, new devils.

The higher your athletes climb, the louder the noise gets.

Your athletes put in hours perfecting routines. But when anxiety spikes, self-doubt creeps in, or comparison takes them off center, trust can break down, focus can disappear, and performance can suffer. That's where I come in. I train teams to compete at their best when it matters most, building the mental, emotional, and physical resilience needed to win in high-pressure moments.

"His ability to connect with our athletes, challenge their mindset, and equip them with mental tools elevated not just their confidence, but our team culture."

Amanda Gaines, Head Coach, Minnesota Dance Team

The Framework

The Skills That Win When It Counts

Championship teams master more than choreography. They master the three performance levers that determine whether athletes rise to the pressure or break under it.

01

Confidence

Athletes learn how to build confidence from the inside out, not the outside in. This allows them to move through their environments with courage, conviction, and purpose. It creates consistency in action and sustains energy over the long term.

02

Focus

In today's world, there are countless distractions at all times. Athletes learn to lock in on what matters most and strengthen their ability to drop into the moment, leading to faster learning, deeper connection, and fun on the floor.

03

Calm

Athletes learn to regulate their emotions when under pressure, in conflict, or in uncertain situations. Their ability to use fear and pressure helps them better achieve their goals for themselves, the team, in sport, and in life.

The Work Works

Across 1,000+ athletes trained, these are the gains coaches see season after season.

  • ↓
    Less performance anxiety

    Athletes stay composed in high-pressure moments, even at nationals.

  • ↑
    More consistency under pressure

    Fewer "off" moments on the floor, more peak performances when it counts.

  • ⬡
    Stronger communication & trust

    Teammates support each other instead of spiraling.

  • ★
    Greater confidence individually & as a team

    Visible in posture, tone, and presence from warmup to final count.

  • ∞
    Lasting resilience

    Mental skills that hold under pressure and carry into life beyond the season.

James with Memphis dance team

If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.

What They're Saying

Coaches & Athletes

Coaches

"Working with James Silvas this past season was truly transformative for our team. James created a space where vulnerability met accountability. It was a critical turning point in our preparation for nationals. Our teams and coaching staff are stronger mentally, emotionally, and competitively because of the foundation James helped build."

Amanda Gaines Head Coach, Minnesota Dance Team

"In the past couple of years, James has been a pivotal aspect in the success of my team. He has taught my dancers life lessons that have shaped them to be better dancers and individuals. The sessions with James are the highlights of our season."

Kristine Dalamas Head Coach, Owyhee Dance Team

"Thank you so much, James. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you and get to know you. I am a better coach and person because of it. I truly cannot thank you enough for pouring into me and this program. It's been life-changing."

Kelsey Messer Head Coach, Boise State Cheer + Dance

"Our workshop with James truly elevated the culture, team unity, and mindset we embody at our studio. His practices and exercises were ones we had never experienced before and are extremely unique and impactful. I STRONGLY recommend the James Silvas Experience."

Dana Parsons Dance Mania All Stars

"The team is feeling so so so connected. Practices are going INCREDIBLY WELL. Our recent competition was really fun. We're so blessed that we had that workshop with you."

Sami Head Coach, Linn-Mar Poms

Athletes

"James came in and let us experience how powerful we are as individuals and as a team. He helped us prepare for our biggest competition. We were able to transform our thoughts and go in with an unlimited mindset."

Jackie Hansen Team Captain, UNLV Rebel Girls

"James not only showed me my greatest potential but opened my eyes to see the potential of my teammates as well. He helped us shape into the best versions of ourselves and accomplish all of our goals. I am forever grateful."

Chynna Edralin Arbor View HS Dance Team

"My perspective has completely changed. I am MIND BLOWN. The way we learned how powerful our minds are changed everything."

Phoebe Lake Washington HS Dance Team

"I always think of what you taught us. It's been helping me through so much. In the last 12 months I've tried out for University of Utah's Dance Team and the NBA Utah Jazz Dance Team. Those lessons carry with me every day."

Baylea Clayton Foothill HS Dance Team

Current + Past Clients

Teams James Has Worked With

University of Minnesota UNLV Rebel Girls University of Memphis University of Cincinnati Boise State University Seton High School Academy of Holy Angels Foothill High School Dance Mania All Stars Owyhee Dance Team Linn-Mar Poms Lake Washington HS Arbor View HS Nike Caesars Entertainment MGM Resorts CorePower Yoga

Ways to Work Together

Every season is different. So is the training.

All formats are built around The Big 3: Confidence, Focus, and Calm. Each program is customized to your team's unique culture and goals.

Most Popular

Option 1

2-Day Immersive Training

  • Two full days of on-site mindset training (8 hours)
  • Pre-nationals 60-minute Zoom call to reinforce topics & introduce one new strategy before competition
  • Season-long coach support (email/text access for Q&A)
  • Journal prompts for deeper integration
Inquire Now

Option 2

1-Day Immersive Training

  • One full day of on-site mindset training (4 hours)
  • Pre-nationals 60-minute Zoom call to reinforce topics & introduce one new strategy before competition
  • Season-long coach support (email/text access for Q&A)
  • Journal prompts for deeper integration
Inquire Now

Option 3

Virtual Training

  • 1 × 3-hour virtual session focused on one of The Big 3: Confidence, Focus, or Calm
  • Season-long coach support (email/text access for Q&A)
  • Journal prompts for deeper integration
Inquire Now

Greatness is a choice.

Elevate Your Team.

Your athletes are closer to their breakthrough than they think. Let's build the mental foundation that makes championships possible.

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