The Sport of Dance
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What do you think?
My question, unlike what so many have asked, is not "Is Dance a Sport?" I feel pretty much anything can be a sport when placed in a competitive environment. While perhaps more subjective than say, football, competitive dance is still a display of skills which are being judged in a competitive environment. Therefore, in this context, concert dance forms are being reinvented as a sport much like ballroom dance and figure skating before them.
Competitive concert dance is a sport, in my eyes,
even if dance, in general, is not.
(If you disagree, you can always say so in the comment section of this lens.)
What I'd like to know is, "What do you see as the pros and cons of competitive dance?" This is your chance to offer your opinions whether you are a supporter of competitive dance or not. Not everyone sees things in black and white, but even in shades of gray, your thoughts count! I just ask that everyone keep the discussion civil and show respect for others. This is an opportunity to openly dialog with people who are passionate about dance, not accuse or belittle those who do not share your beliefs. Thank you.
Is putting concert dance in a competitive realm a positive or negative?
Since the 1970s, competitive dance has been a presence in dance studios across the United States and in other parts of the world. The growth in popularity has fueled some debate among dancers, dance educators, and choreographers.
Read the debate, weigh in, and add your thoughts!
Discuss!
What are the pros and cons of competitive concert dance?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byPros-Positives
DanceMom367 says:
Competitive dance exposes dancers to many different choreography styles that they would not get otherwise. Many studios require the competitive dancers to take technique classes in addition to the practice time for competitive pieces.
Our studio requires 1 ballet & 1 jazz class minimum a week and strongly recommends an additional ballet and technique classes that correspond to their competitive numbers.
Posted August 18, 2008
danceadvantage says:
Competing offers dancers exposure to other schools and choreography styles.
Posted August 15, 2008
Cons-Negatives
princessjess92 says:
I don't believe in competitive dancing at all. I'm a ballerina so my opinion is focused for the most part on ballet but I've long seen girls come off stage at a competition excited and happy about how they've done only to have the day ruined by a subjective judge and a bad place. The art itself should be the reward. Also, art as we all know is subjective. One persons 'bad' may be another persons 'amazing'
Dance for the love of dancing. Dance for the great costumes. Dance for the applause. Don't dance for the medals.
Posted August 27, 2008
Meryl1 says:
There is a lot of information here, which is great! I feel like there is so much to discuss about competitive dance. I think there are both pros and cons, one positive being the performance experience and inspiration the dancers gain. However, the cons are larger as many competitions, although let me stress not all, boast an abundance of tricks that leave you asking was that really dance? Some transcend the cliché of dance competitions, and do exhibit very artistic dance. Perhaps, there are still just too many that don't.
Posted August 15, 2008
danceadvantage says:
The focus on tricks and spectacle in competitive dance limit the dancer and overshadow artistry in dance.
Posted August 15, 2008
Cast Your Vote!
Fuel to the Fire
Links to Make You Think
- Dance Competition: Suburban Studio Culture
- A frank and balanced look at the culture of competitive dance in American studios
- Defining Sport
- An article supporting the inclusion of cheerleading and competitive dance in the menu of women's sports
- Competition: Who Wins? What's Lost
- An article from Dance Magazine offers an insightful look at how competition may affect artistry in dance.
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