Since this blog is about cultural anthropology as much as it is about dance, I thought readers may be interested in this video of my favourite lecturer talking about studying anthropology at a university Open Day. You won’t find any mention of dance, but you will hear Greg talking about what anthropologists do and why they do it. He also talks about some of the specialist areas that his department members research. It is my desire to use such an approach to research what motivates professional ballet dancers. As Greg says towards the end of the presentation:
“Anthropologists are the off-road vehicles of the social science world.” We take theory and try to see what is really happening out there, and not just on the eight-lane super highway of science or the safe parking lot of the psychology laboratory or the city grid of surveys in sociology.
Very illuminating lecture! The lecturer does mention the study of sports, which is somewhat related to dance – like you, he is interested in a specific aspect (sports training of boys) as you are with ballet dancers. I do hope you’ll be able to begin a partnership with a (hopefully) local ballet company with which to conduct your research.
The ballet community and indeed, the world, deserve to gain deep anthropological insights from the study of such a unique group of individuals. Business and many other disciplines will undoubtedly benefit from learning about the nature of dancers’ motivation that lead to such laser-focused discipline, engagement, and drive.
Nicely said Susan. I should get you to write my fieldwork proposals, and then I may have more success