There are various factors which have the ability to either positively and/or negatively influence a dancer by shaping their outlook on circumstances relating to the dance industry. Environment, society, person's and culture all play important roles in defining who a dancer is and this chapter will explore how influential characters and forms of media affect dancers by incorporating the impacts of these four fundamental concepts throughout.
In order to thoroughly examine who and what influences a dancer, I will be referring back to the results obtained in my questionnaire.
The environment in which a dancer learns and performs is crucial as it constitutes the main interactions between individuals and the social, cultural and environmental aspects …show more content…
It seems logical to conclude that due to dance teachers and their students interacting at the micro level of society, they are known to have one of the most significant impacts on a dancer's life. To validate this perspective, I observed the infamous dance teacher Abby Lee Miller during Dance Moms Season One to see how she influenced her highly impressionable young dancers.
Miller has a very opinionated view of her dancers performances. Second place is not an option! This places an extreme amount of pressure on her dancers to be perfect. Although she sees herself giving constructive criticism; others (some viewers and majority of the dance moms on the show) see it as verbal abuse which is aimed to attack the young dancers. The natural reaction of these young girls is to cry, which Miller simply replies with: “No tears. You save those tears for your pillow, in your room, …show more content…
Through my own evaluation, the protagonist of the movie, Jody Sawyer, goes through many personal and social difficulties in the duration of her journey to earn a place at the American Ballet Company. Jody exhibits strength and determination to fulfill her role as an elite ballet dancer whilst going through her own personal struggles. Jody is constantly put-down and scrutinized by the American Ballet Academy’s (ABA) directors for her bad feet and body type which leads to self-doubt and loss of motivation in her lowest part of the film.
Conversely, there are some inspiring and memorable scenes throughout the movie which highlight how a passion for dance and hard work pays off. Jody is given the opportunity to perform in a major role for an audience of thousands, which earns her a standing ovation and a place as the principal dancer in the new Cooper Nielsen
In order to thoroughly examine who and what influences a dancer, I will be referring back to the results obtained in my questionnaire.
The environment in which a dancer learns and performs is crucial as it constitutes the main interactions between individuals and the social, cultural and environmental aspects …show more content…
It seems logical to conclude that due to dance teachers and their students interacting at the micro level of society, they are known to have one of the most significant impacts on a dancer's life. To validate this perspective, I observed the infamous dance teacher Abby Lee Miller during Dance Moms Season One to see how she influenced her highly impressionable young dancers.
Miller has a very opinionated view of her dancers performances. Second place is not an option! This places an extreme amount of pressure on her dancers to be perfect. Although she sees herself giving constructive criticism; others (some viewers and majority of the dance moms on the show) see it as verbal abuse which is aimed to attack the young dancers. The natural reaction of these young girls is to cry, which Miller simply replies with: “No tears. You save those tears for your pillow, in your room, …show more content…
Through my own evaluation, the protagonist of the movie, Jody Sawyer, goes through many personal and social difficulties in the duration of her journey to earn a place at the American Ballet Company. Jody exhibits strength and determination to fulfill her role as an elite ballet dancer whilst going through her own personal struggles. Jody is constantly put-down and scrutinized by the American Ballet Academy’s (ABA) directors for her bad feet and body type which leads to self-doubt and loss of motivation in her lowest part of the film.
Conversely, there are some inspiring and memorable scenes throughout the movie which highlight how a passion for dance and hard work pays off. Jody is given the opportunity to perform in a major role for an audience of thousands, which earns her a standing ovation and a place as the principal dancer in the new Cooper Nielsen