Exploring Ballet-specific Identity through Dancers’ Adolescent Experiences

Abstract:

There is limited research on the identity experiences of ballet dancers, particularly how they define a ballet-specific identity. This project explores ballet-specific identity through the adolescent experiences of ballet dancers. My study draws on developmental psychology to narratively explore ballet dancers’ experiences and definitions of a ‘balletic identity.’ This study is primarily concerned with the content of balletic identity (the what of identity) rather than its processes (the how of identity). The main research question is: What is the identity content of balletic identity? To explore this question, 10-15 dancers aged 18+ with significant ballet training will participate in 60-90-minute semi-structured Zoom interviews. Following transcription of the interviews, they will be analyzed using the qualitative methodology Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Reflexive Thematic Analysis focuses on theme development through the researcher’s critical reflection as they explore and interpret patterns of meaning across a dataset. The outcome of this study will be clear themes that provide insight into the experiences and content of balletic identity. This study could support further research in areas of ballet related to identity experiences, such as psychological distress in dancers, injury and pain in dance, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating habits, performance enhancement, intersectional identity experiences, creating more conducive learning and work environments, and understanding the impacts of ballet involvement across developmental stages. This study is in progress; data collection and analysis will be completed by the end of the spring term.

 

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Presented by Erica Bauer, Graduate Student; Miami University (OH)

 

Biography:

Erica Bauer is originally from Southern Utah, where they received their dance training throughout their childhood and adolescence. They have dedicated nearly 20 years to dance in some capacity, with 10 of those years devoted to serious ballet training. During their undergraduate training, they taught ballet at a local studio in northern Utah and pursued their bachelor’s degree in psychology from Utah Valley University. They completed an honors thesis on the relationship between competitiveness and social connectedness in ballet dancers. Currently, they are pursuing their PhD in psychology at Miami University in Oxford, OH, where they research dancers’ experiences of identity and identity development in ballet. They hope to remain involved in the dance community and continue researching ballet and identity throughout their academic career.