Ideals that Connect to Script

History of Dance

• • Became popular during the third millenia BC -- integral part of Egyptian religious ceremonies

  • Other religions then incorporated dance

    • • • Ex: Bharata Nathyam is the dance in Hinduism -- still performed today

  • Dance also utilized for...celebration, entertainment, seduction, excitement

    • • • Celebration of Dionysus (Greek god of wine)

  • Start of Renaissance -- ballet became popular dance of upper class

Dance Competitions: How They Function

• Types of Competitions

  • Local, Regional, National

    • • Local / Regional: High school auditoriums + 4 days(ish)

      • National: Big rented hall + weeks + coaches join

  • Perform as group, duo, trio, solo

• Adjudicated System

  • Each routine gets a grade before comparing to other routines

    • • Each dance gets their adjudicated award: gold, high gold, platinum, etc.

      • Why: Reward hard work of every dancer -- then distinctions

• Divisions

  • Typically divided by age

    • • Petite − 8 and under

      • Junior − 9 to 11

      • Teen − 12 to14

      • Senior − 15 to 18

      • Adult − 19 and above

• Example Competition Rules

  • Solo performer cannot repeat same style twice

  • Ballet routines should not contain acrobatic styles

  • Feet of performer should not go above six feet while doing a prop

• Judges

  • Typically three dance professionals -- represent various genres

• Judging

  • Follow grading rubric

    • Ex: Technique, precision, personality, appearance

• Scoring

  • Grade out of 100 points

  • Judges add scores

    • Example:

      • • Platinum -- 285-300 points,

        • High gold -- 270-284 points

        • Gold -- 255-269 points

        • High silver -- 240-254 points

  • Rank groups from there -- overall winners

Dance Competitions: Effects on Mental Health

• Dance World -- Encourages

  • Specialization at a young age--necessary for elite performance

    1. Forego cross training + quality time with self and others

  • Winning -- Manipulation of mentality and body

  • Competitions

    1. Upwards of 200 local, regional, and national competitions with some kids starting at four years old

  • Train year-round

  • Compete according to age + gender

• Sports Psychologists -- Encourage

  • Diversification over specialization

  • Cross training

    1. Strengthen body + prevent injuries

  • Child take 1 month off of every six months of training

  • Youth comps should be based on meeting physiological and psychological characters, takes into account physical growth and biological maturation

  • Do not apply one single model to training and designs for children

• Ideals -- Items to Consider

  • Sport socialization

    1. Socialization into sport -- factors that attract a child to a sport

    2. Socialization through sport -- positive or negative outcomes directly from participation

  • Parents

    1. Directly and indirectly influence child’s perception of ability and motivation

       1. Children's achievements manipulate these thoughts

  • Teachers

    1. Are not trained to foster life skills through sports

       1. Instead follow goals + successes

  • Socio-Cognitive Conflict

    1. Competitions lead to comparing which isn’t great

    2. Complimentary projects are better for children

  • Ego vs. Mastery Orientation

    1. Ego orientation: Person focuses on comparing themselves to others with a desire to be the best

    2. Mastery orientation: Person focuses on improvement of their own skills

Dance Competitions: Pros Vs. Cons

• Pros

  • Self discipline and sacrifice -- good preparation for adult life

  • High goals -- strive for personal best

  • Work in a team

  • Performance opportunities

  • Broadens horizons

  • Teaches grace in winning or losing

  • Gain exposure

  • Can be a lot of fun

• Cons

  • Pressures from others + self

  • Anxiety + stress

  • Lower self-esteem + self-confidence

  • Overtraining

  • Drama

  • Amplifies perfectionism

  • Costs

  • Not all competitions are equal

  • Commitment