Degree Name

Master of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

12-2022

Department

College of Performing and Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance, Theatre Arts and Dance Student Work

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assist dance competition participants in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of participating in dance competitions. The researcher evaluated the experiences and perceptions of the dance students, parents, and teachers that partake in dance competitions with the goal of uncovering the positive and negative effects dance competitions have on them. The research instruments used in this study included a multiple-choice survey, which was analyzed quantitatively, and a short answer survey, which was analyzed qualitatively. Limitations to this study included the survey questions, the number of participants, and the survey demographics. The survey was created by the researcher in an attempt to be unbiased but was not tested for validity or reliability. This study included twenty-eight participants in the first survey and twenty in the second. Most participants were acquainted with the researcher before participating in the study, which may have altered responses, even though the survey was completed anonymously. The limited participant base may have also created a survey demographic that lacked diversity. At the conclusion of the study, the data suggested that dance competition participants feel there are both positive and negative components of the dance competitions they participate in. The positives included gaining confidence, having the opportunity to perform on stage or being iv able to watch a specific dancer perform, and all of the excitement that comes with going to competitions. The negatives included the adjudication system, the unsportsmanlike behavior of fellow participants, and the scheduling system.

Keywords

dance; competition; dance competition; effects of dance competitions

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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