Literature Review 2

Although not exactly following the idea of extracting research and ideas from academic literature, I came across this blog 'Anthropology en Pointe' that has been inspirational in giving me a lot more ideas on how to approach my enquiry. The blog is created by an anthropologist, Mike Barnes (member of the International Dance Council CID-UNESCO) who posts about his research project based on dance anthropology:  "Identifying what motivates dancers and discovering how they deal with progress, and development changes that they experience, as they proceed with their career is central to this project."

I thought it extremely fitting to come across an anthropologist's views on this topic which is extremely similar to what I would like to inquire!

One post talks exactly about 'Why do dancers need to dance?' (my initial question). It highlights the fact that 'The “need to dance” if often given as the answer to the question, why do dancers devote their lives with enthusiasm to what is often a relatively short and difficult career. I would like to turn that answer around as a question and search for a reflective answer as to why they feel this need?'

Generally, the initial response to this question is love and passion for it, a constant longing to move… but why is that? What is behind all this 'need?' There are two possible approaches to answer this; psychologically- what is the motivation, or philosophically- why is this in their being, their soul. 

Mike also relates to looking into it more deeply with 'Maslow's hierarchy of needs' for inspiration: 

In all of these categories I question if a dancer's life provides all these needs. As a professional, you get paid to dance which provides your basic Physiological needs. When feeling happy with what you do, there is a sense of belonging and love with friendship. It helps build up self-esteem and confidence (normally) and definitely teaches to respect. But especially in 'Self-Actualisation' category, where 'Maslow believed that to understand this level of need, the person must not only achieve the previous needs, but master them.' A dancer is constantly striving to master improvement, perfection in their movement and a sense of achievement and when they do master these needs at the top of the pyramid, I think it could link to why dancers keep wanting to dance as they feel fulfilled.

It also got me thinking of looking into the idea what dancers do to be able to master these desirable needs?

There was a lovely response from one of the bloggers:

Mike, I dance (or danced) because it was the only manner in which my true self, my spirit, not my personality, not just my body, could express itself. Dancing does not fill a need like eating fills the need for food. Dancing isn’t “needing”, it’s “being”. Dancing is a spiritual experience, that’s why we dancers put up with a lot of ... – physical pain, anxiety, injury, low wages, professional disrespect (most people don’t consider it a legitimate job), & short career span. When dancing, the “real” person gets to come out and play and connect with others.

Another great post of Mark's is 'Ballet dancers and motivation.' He states there are two possible approaches to answering. One being what motivated dancers to start, and the other is what keeps them motivated. 

Answers in this category include, “I need to”, “provides me with meaning”, “it is how I communicate”, “movement is a part of my life”, “it is my true self, my spirit”. All of these answers internalize how they feel and consequently I could suggest they have in common that they make the dancer feel good. 

Relating back to his previous post as well, it suggests that there has to be something behind it being 'food for the soul,' suspecting that '...there is a lot more to a dancer’s motivation than a simple addiction to feeling good.'

There is a lot more in depth to it all, which makes me wander of all the different stimulations behind motivation- exercise, endorphins, music, sense of hard work and achievement, feeling home, the stage? 

One response gave a link to an article of a Chinese Dancer on what motivates her to dance.

Another gave an insight into the theory of Dalcroze Eurhythmics- teaches concepts of rhythm, structure and musical expression through movement. This instantly brings up the idea of the relation between music and dance. Could that be a factor towards motivating dancers?

But what REALLY intrigued me, was the little video at the end! It documents a few Royal Ballet dancers on why they started dancing, and I thought it gave a more personal touch to what their feelings are really about, rather than just watching them dance without any history or story behind the actual dancers. 

I would love to some how incorporate a short documentary on a dancer's perspective of their love for dance, to hopefully share what the real dance world is like and why it exists…a lot of brainstorming to do!

The next literature is on its way, Finding Balance, a book about how dancers find balance in their lives- perfect for digging deep into what they do in order to keep developing and going strong!

Barnes. M, "Why Do Dancers Need to Dance?" Anthropology En Pointe. N.p., 9 Apr. 2012. Web. 07. Mar. 2014, http://mikebarnesanth.wordpress.com/2011/12/22/why-do-dancers-need-to-dance-an-opportunity-to-reflect/

Barnes.M "Ballet dancers and motivation." Anthropology En Pointe. 25 Mar. 2012. Web. 07.Mar. 2014, http://mikebarnesanth.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/ballet-dancers-and-motivation/

Dalcroze Eurhythmics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalcroze_Eurhythmics