An investigation of professional ballet dancers’ pre-performance routines and superstitious behaviours

Baselga, Maria Aranzazu (2015). An investigation of professional ballet dancers’ pre-performance routines and superstitious behaviours. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This study investigated manifestations and effects of pre-performance behaviours with which professional ballet dancers engage prior to performance. It focused on the relationship and distinction between pre-performance routines and superstitious behaviours to aid the achievement of optimal performance. A unique opportunity arose to carry out a single case study in one of the UKs’ leading ballet companies, to which the author had privileged access. The study employed a mixed method approach where both questionnaires and interviews were utilised as methods of data collection. Questionnaires designed to investigate the use of pre-performance behaviours were completed by 90% of the company’s dancers. The results were then used to select the six dancers who engaged with the highest number of routines and rituals for in-depth interviews in order to explore the phenomena of pre-performance routines and superstitious behaviours. Professional ballet dancers were found to regularly engage with both types of behaviours prior to performance although it is often difficult to draw a definitive distinction between the two. These findings are consistent with sports based research literature, that although limited, has established that both pre-performance routines and superstitious behaviours are widely used and can have a positive effect on the outcome of a performance.

Type of Work: Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)
Award Type: Masters by Research > M.Phil.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Boardley, IanUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Social Sciences
School or Department: School of Education
Funders: None/not applicable
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GT Manners and customs
N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/5331

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