The effectiveness of performative aerial practice on mental health and the love of movement

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this phronetic, quasi-experimental study was to examine if skill-based and performative aerial practice (treatment group-class, n = 8) was more beneficial on mental health and the love of movement than only skill-based aerial practice (control group-class, n = 9). The total study population included 17 undergraduate, beginner students in aerial practice (M_age = 20.59). Based on Cohen’s d and two-way repeated measures ANOVA, depression and stress decreased over time with an upper-level small (d =.27; η² = 7.6%) and medium (d =.55; η² = 19%) within-subjects effect, respectively. Five qualitative themes emerged, including positive psychosocial and physical changes, healthy lifestyle choices, continuance with aerial practice – especially for the treatment group, and challenges with aerial silks, especially for the control group. Beyond skill development, including performativity qualities in aerial practice (dancing, expressing emotion, story sharing) may be key to the love of movement and long-term exercise participation.

KEYWORDS:

• Aerial silks
• skill and performativity
• mental health
• love of movement
• phronesis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the CHSE Peabody Dean’s Circle Grant.

Notes on contributors

Maria Kosma

Dr. Kosma is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. She has an international educational experience, including an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Athens, Greece; an MS degree in Kinesiology from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland and Catholic University Leuven, Belgium; and a PhD in Exercise and Sport Science from Oregon State University, USA. Her main research interests include physical activity health promotion related to culture, arts, social justice, and human freedom. She uses a humanistic approach in public health, emphasizing personal and community needs, physical culture, and diversity.

Nick Erickson

Mr. Erickson is an Associate Professor of Stage Movement, the Head of M.F.A. Acting, and the Head of Physical Theatre in the School of Theater, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. His physical theater program at LSU involves the teaching of all forms of dance, aerial arts, actor movement including mask work, improvisation and ensemble work, and the generation of new work. His program has partnerships with La Manufacture Dance School and with the Cirq’Ô’Champs Festival in France

Chase J. Savoie

Ms. Chase Savoie is a pre-med student currently finishing her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. She is majoring in biochemistry and dual minoring in chemistry and physical theatre. She has trained in the Aerial Arts since 2016 and has been a TA/Aerial Instructor since 2017.

Mark Gibson

Mr. Gibson is a Master of Fine Arts in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University and has a B.A. in Physical Theatre from LSU. He has performed internationally multiple times at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and most recently performed with the 2019 Cirque O’Champs in France. His teaching philosophy incorporates embodied movement practices which bring awareness to the body and its systems. He continues his work as a freelance artist teaching workshops to spread corporeal awareness.