NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1396729
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1464-7893
EISSN: EISSN-1470-1111
Is the Health Risk and Consequence of Generalised Joint Hypermobility Understood within a Classical Ballet Narrative? Concerns for Dance Practitioners
Timmons, Wendy M.; Sproule, John; Mulholland, Rosemary
Research in Dance Education, v24 n3 p262-282 2023
Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is a heritable disorder of the connective tissue that manifests as extreme range of motion in the joints; it is considered both an asset and health risk to the dancer. Recently, links between GJH, anxiety, emotional and mental wellbeing have been established. The experiences of GJH in professional dance artists (five male, four female; mean age = 32.3 yrs; range = 25-40 yrs) and Ballet masters (3 female & 1 male, mean experience 30.8 yrs.) were explored through semi-structured interviews (45-60 min). A biopsychosocial filter and qualitative reflective thematic approach were applied to the analysis. Emerging themes include; hypermobile aesthetic, professional values and preconceptions, choreographic trends, company strategies, intellectual curiosity, pedagogy and leadership. Participants agreed dancers with GJH characteristics met the direction and desired aesthetic for today's dance companies and choreographers. They showed a good understanding of the strengths and challenges of GJH but did not directly associate any psychosocial traits. The findings demonstrate that whilst commonly exploited for choreographic gains, the health risks and experience of GJH are not understood in the professional dance environment. Finally, we translate the practical implications of our findings for teaching dance in developmental environments.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A