How can a dancer’s own choice of clothing affect their performance in a contemporary technique class?

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Author
Wood, Emily
Date
2013Publisher
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study takes a qualitative approach into investigating whether or not
clothing has an effect on a dancer’s movement performance. How can a dancer’s
own choice of clothing affect their performance during a contemporary technique
class? The purpose of this study was to look at how a dancer’s choice of clothing
can potentially develop their technique; to enhance or hinder their movement
aesthetic and kinesthetic awareness.
Identified as an area of study that is fairly under researched the framework for the
investigation was purposefully designed and included observation; completion of
clothing diaries and a focus group. The second year dance students studying a BA
(Hons) dance degree were observed over six weekly sessions participating in
contemporary dance classes. Eight students were identified to complete clothing
diaries over six weeks and those same participants took part in a focus group
discussion on completion of the diaries.
The research uncovered that having a choice of dance clothing for a dance class can
enhance and hinder the dancers personal development and onlookers
interpretations of their movement. It allows the dancer to feel relaxed in classroom
environment focusing their attention to the thought processes and sensations of the
movement instead of the exterior appearance. However in some situations, allowing
a dancer to choice their own clothing meant body alignment got lost due to clothing
covering dancer’s lines whilst moving. It was also suggested different clothing styles
belonged to different styles of dance which help in preparing the mind and body to
engage to the specific movement.
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