Dressing the Alter Ego : Swing Dancers with Day Jobs

Abstract

People today belong to many different subcultures and have diverse interests. Their job no longer defines who they are, while their pastimes can be a bigger reflection of their inner self. This article examines swing dancers in Korea, and focuses on their self-identity and how they express this through clothes. Based on in-depth interviews, observations and photographs of swing dancers with different day jobs, the study results find that most of the subjects intentionally incorporate swing dance cues in their daily work wardrobe, and that this makes them feel more comfortable, honest and satisfied with their job and identity, both as a swing dancer and working professional.