Competitive dancers’ social identities and experiences of harm

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the research was to explore competitive dancers’ experiences of harm in the dance environment with a focus placed on dancers’ social identities. Limited attention has been given to instances of harm in competitive dance. In addition, the impact of social identities on experiences of harm has yet to be discussed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 competitive dancers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis leading to four generated themes, including the higher value of boy dancers, Whiteness as the standard, the impact of socio-economic status, and the sexualization of young girls and women. Competitive dancers reported that their social identities impacted their dance experience and at times influenced their opportunities to be showcased in choreography as well as their instructor-dancer relationship.

KEYWORDS:

• Competitive dance
• harm
• social identity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aalaya Milne

Aalaya Milne is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Her research interests include understanding experiences of harm and intersectionality in dance and sport. She hopes to help support the dance and athletic communities in creating safe learning environments for all.

Michael Atkinson

Dr. Michael Atkinson is a professor at the University of Toronto known for his research on suffering, pain, violence, healing, and ethics in physical and health cultures.

Gretchen Kerr

Dr. Gretchen Kerr is a professor at the University of Toronto with research expertise in maltreatment in youth sport, coaching practices and coaching education.

Ashley Stirling

Dr. Ashley Stirling is an associate professor at the University of Toronto known internationally for her research on athlete welfare, interpersonal violence, and safeguarding in sport.