Classical Dance Research Articles

Dance on: a mixed-method study into the feasibility and effectiveness of a dance programme to increase physical activity levels and wellbeing in adults and older adults

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. However, a consistent decline in PA participation has been noted with increasing age, with older adults consistently being reported as the least physically active population. Previous evidence showed that dance is an appropriate form of PA in older adults as it integrates the body’s movement with physical, cognitive, and social elements. This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a weekly dance programme over a 12-month period on PA levels and wellbeing.MethodsA mixed-method intervention design was used. Community-dwelling older adults aged 55 + years were recruited from local community groups in Yorkshire (UK). The programme comprised of a 60-min mixed genre dance class per week. Changes with carried forward data in self-reported measures of PA (min/week) and wellbeing with EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) across four different time points (baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months) were assessed using the Friedman test. Feasibility was also assessed through class attendance and focus groups (N = 6–9) with participants. A thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted.ResultsA total of 685 participants (589–89.1% females and 72–10.9% males) took part in the study. The mean age was 75 ± 10 years, and 38% of the participants were classed as highly deprived as per the index of multiple deprivation. There was a statistically significant increase in both PA (X2(3) = 192.42, P < 0.001) and EQ VAS scores across the four time points (X2(3) = 19.66, P < 0.001). The mean adherence rate was consistent across the 12-month period of intervention (70%). Themes from the focus groups included reasons for participating in the programme, perceptions of how the dance programme affected the participants, and facilitators to participation in the programme.ConclusionsThe good adherence and favourability indicate that the dance programme is feasible as an intervention in community-dwelling participants from socially economically diverse communities. The dance intervention showed a positive effect on PA levels and wellbeing. A randomised-controlled trial with a control group is required to test this intervention further.

IMOVE: Protocol for a randomized, controlled 2x2 factorial trial of improvisational movement and social engagement interventions in older adults with early Alzheimer's disease

BackgroundIn addition to cognitive impairment, people with Alzheimer's disease (PWAD) experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., apathy, depression), altered gait, and poor balance that further diminish their quality of life (QoL). Here, we describe a unique, randomized, controlled trial to test the hypothesis that both movement and social engagement aspects of a group dance intervention alter the connectivity of key brain networks involved in motor and social-emotional functioning and lead to improved QoL in PWAD. MethodsIMOVE (NCT03333837) was a single-center, randomized, controlled 2x2 factorial trial that assigned PWAD/caregiver dyads to one of 4 study conditions (Movement Group, Movement Alone, Social Group, or Usual Care control). The Movement Group participated in twice-weekly group improvisational dance (IMPROVment® Method) classes for 12 weeks. The Movement Alone intervention captured the same dance movement and auditory stimuli as the group class without social interaction, and the Social Group used improvisational party games to recapitulate the fun and playfulness of the Movement Group without the movement. The primary outcome was change in QoL among PWAD. Key secondary outcomes were functional brain network measures assessed using graph-theory analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms, gait, and balance. ResultsA total of 111 dyads were randomized; 89 completed the study, despite interruption and modification of the protocol due to COVID-19 restrictions (see companion paper by Fanning et al.). The data are being analyzed and will be submitted for publication in 2023.

Современные подходы к обучению студентов колледжа танцам в Китайской Народной Республике

This article examines approaches to teaching dance to college students in the People's Republic of China. In the conditions of modern times cultural traditions of national Chinese classical dance are not to be transformed, they develop according to the new trends, which preserves ethnic roots of Chinese dance art, and professional choreographic training becomes more universal and ready to the challenges of the global educational market and adapted to the trends of cultural integration in choreography. The study of the pedagogical component of the national choreographic traditions of China plays an important role in the process of formation of the theory and history of pedagogy, as it contributes to the reconstruction of authentic conditions and methods of skill transfer, development of choreographic art in the context of the transfer of experience of artistic creation.

Современные подходы к обучению студентов колледжа танцам в Китайской Народной Республике

This article examines approaches to teaching dance to college students in the People's Republic of China. In the conditions of modern times cultural traditions of national Chinese classical dance are not to be transformed, they develop according to the new trends, which preserves ethnic roots of Chinese dance art, and professional choreographic training becomes more universal and ready to the challenges of the global educational market and adapted to the trends of cultural integration in choreography. The study of the pedagogical component of the national choreographic traditions of China plays an important role in the process of formation of the theory and history of pedagogy, as it contributes to the reconstruction of authentic conditions and methods of skill transfer, development of choreographic art in the context of the transfer of experience of artistic creation.

Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many throughout the world to isolate themselves from their respective communities to stop the spread of disease. Although this form of distancing can prevent the contraction of a virus, it results in social isolation and physical inactivity. Consequently, our communities have become heavily reliant on digital solutions to foster social connection and increase physical activity when forced to isolate. Dance is a multidimensional form of physical activity that includes sensory, motor, cognitive, rhythmic, creative, and social elements. Long-term, interventional studies in dance have shown positive effects on both mental and social health; however, little has been done to examine the acute effects and no studies to date have explored the relationship between the affective state and social outcomes of dance. We examined the hypothesis that online dance is associated with improvements in affective state and social connection during a time of social isolation, namely, the COVID-19 crisis. Healthy adults (age ≥ 18; n = 47) engaged in a single session of 60 min of self-selected online dance, completing a series of validated self-reported questionnaires before and after class. We found that online dance was associated with improvements in affective state as measured by increased positive affect and self-esteem and decreased negative affect and depressive symptoms. Additionally, online dance was associated with improvements in social and community connectedness. Further, we found that those who experienced the largest increases in self-esteem and decreases in negative affect demonstrated the largest gains in social connectivity. Although in-person dance classes may be optimal for formalized dance training, online dance instruction offers an accessible platform that can provide mental and social health benefits during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis. We conclude that through online dance, individuals can experience a connection between the body, mind, and community.

‘Promoting wellness, having fun, and creating community’: a dance instructor’s pedagogical practices and perspectives on the influence of community dance classes for older adults

ABSTRACT Canada’s aging population highlights the critical need to identify physical activity programming that has the potential to positively contribute to one’s aging journey. Dancing is one type of physical activity that can offer the opportunity to be with others, move to music, and encourage creativity and personal expression. Dance instructors may influence older adults’ experiences with, and outcomes following, participation in dance classes. This study examined the pedagogical practices of an instructor with extensive experience teaching community dance classes for older adults, and their perspectives on participant experiences and outcomes through the lens of successful aging, physical literacy, and embodiment theories. The dance instructor participated in three semi-structured interviews over a 10-month period. Utilizing reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) the coffee and cookies might be the most important part, (2) everyone can walk away feeling successful at something, (3) a space where class attendees can be creative and expressive, and (4) supporting physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Dancing is a physical and performative activity that can positively contribute to various aspects of one’s aging and physical activity journey when instructors purposefully employ behaviors that consider multidimensional aspects of health.

An Analysis of Lexicons Related to Wura Bongi Monca Dance in Bima

Wura Bongi Monca dance is a classic dance from Bima NTB which has its lexicons. This culture is very important, because if the culture is lost, then the lexicon in dance will be lost.Base on those reason this research was designed in the form of descriptive qualitative study which aimed to analyses lexicons and their culture meaning, their word formations, as well as their word classes. The data of the study were in the forms of primary and secondary data. The primary data were obtained using observing and interviewing technique while the secondary ones were taken from analyzing the relevant documents found in Bima Museum, NTB. The results of this study show that: (a) 23 lexicons were found in the dance and divided into 3 parts: namely, 7 are connected to its dance movements, 12 to its costumes, and 4 to its musical instruments; (b) In term of its word formations, 2 types were found; compounding (13), and borrowing (3); and (c) In term of the lexicon word category, only 3 word classes were found: nouns (27), adjectives (9), and verbs (2).

Strategies for cultivating students’ performance skills in classical dance teaching from the perspective of aesthetic education

The management of aesthetic education in higher education is one of the major hot issues to be explored and discussed in the reform of China’s basic education curriculum system under the new situation. According to the Opinions on Comprehensively Strengthening and Improving the Management of Aesthetic Education in Higher Education under the New Situation issued by the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, the aim is to improve students’ cultural and aesthetic talents as well as the quality of humanities and sciences, and further develop the essence of Chinese aesthetic education. The aim is to further develop the essence of Chinese aesthetic education, cultivate the elements with aesthetics, and permeate the whole process of cultivating talents in higher education in China. In the context of aesthetic education, classical dance is a combination of thought and emotion, and is not only highly artistic and ornamental, but also rich in ideological content. As a unique form of dance expression for a Chinese nation, classical Chinese dance plays occupy a key position. With the gradual deepening of quality education in schools, the educational aspect of Chinese classical dance will also come to the fore. In this paper, we analyse and discuss the comprehensive quality of performance required in classical dance and the new problems facing the education of classical dance in our school.

СОХРАНЕНИЕ И РАЗВИТИЕ ШКОЛЫ КЛАССИЧЕСКОГО ТАНЦА В ТВОРЧЕСТВЕ Н.А. ЕРМАКОВОЙ

Subject of the article: the choreographic heritage of the Saratov region is the preservation and development of the school of classical dance. Object of the article: choreographic art and its special role in the development of a creative personality. The purpose of the project: to update information about the methods and forms of plastic work of teachers in children's choreographic groups in order to preserve the traditions of the Russian school of classical dance. The article considers the method of teaching classical dance by N.A. Ermakova ("Children's Art School No. 1 named after P.A. Frolov", Engels). She developed an adapted educational author's program "Smart Rhythm", which includes a gradual transition from basic rhythmic movements to mastering the initial, initial elements of classical dance. Thanks to creative imagination, dance classes for younger students turn into an "exciting journey" into the world of classical dance. The author comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to include new methods, forms of organization of teaching in choreography lessons into the general traditional system of teaching classical dance. The scientific novelty of the study lies in identifying the features and forms of teaching classical dance for the purpose of creative and professional development of the individual, as well as transferring the cultural heritage of our time, internal motives and values through dance. Scope of the results: this experience, which has become a unique practice for the formation of a special type of thinking and creative activity, stimulates and opens up opportunities and abilities for search, research and experimental activities in the field of choreography.

The Experience of Dancing Among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy at an Inclusive Dance Group: A Qualitative Study.

Art practices such as dance have the potential to support people with disabilities. It is possible that through dancing, bodies that may be regarded as "deficient" can be strengthened while enhancing their personal and cultural identities. It is also possible that inclusive group dance classes can enable the integration of people with disabilities in their social context. However, there is limited research on how these potential benefits are experienced by participants. The purpose of this research is to describe the experience of people with cerebral palsy participating in regular dance classes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants with cerebral palsy who participated in an inclusive dance group that was informed by the creative approach of Laban. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed according to the thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke. The qualitative analysis software program ATLAS.TI version 8 was used for organizing and data analysis. The six interviews were analyzed and codified in four main categories: (1) the experience of cerebral palsy (the body does not help); (2) dance as a form of relationship with myself and the other; (3) the value of dancing and; (4) the dancer. These categories led to the creation of two subthemes: (a) the "unlocking" concerning the therapeutic effect of dance and (b) the "acquisition of a dancer's identity" by engaging with dance as an artform. An overall theme also emerged, "the passage from darkness to light." Individuals with cerebral palsy, while taking the risk of being physically "exposed" in dance classes and dance group performances, managed to unlock their bodies, develop connections with others, acquire the identity of a dancer, and move from "darkness" to "light."

On the Characteristics and Application of Folding Fan Props in Chinese Classical Dance—Taking “Paper Fan Scholar” as an Example

On the Characteristics and Application of Folding Fan Props in Chinese Classical Dance—Taking “Paper Fan Scholar” as an Example

Comparative Evolution of Chinese Classical Dance and Russian Classical Ballet Training Systems: From Historical Roots to Distinctive Styles

Comparative Evolution of Chinese Classical Dance and Russian Classical Ballet Training Systems: From Historical Roots to Distinctive Styles

The Effects of Classical Chinese Dance Movements on Personal Awareness and Emotion Regulation

This research aims to explore the effectiveness of a Chinese classical dance therapy group on college students’ self-awareness and emotion regulation. A pretest and quasi-experimental design was used for this study, with 172 college students in China as the research object. The experimental group underwent Chinese classical dance therapy twice every week, three hours every time, until eighteen hours later; meanwhile, the control group did not handle or train. Members of the two groups were tested before and after the "Introspection Scale", "Body Awareness Scale" and "Emotional Regulation Scale", and statistical tests were performed by single-factor covariate analysis (ANOVA) to evaluate the effectiveness of experimental processing. The study found the following: 1. College students participating in the study of Chinese classical dance therapy groups are generally satisfied with or agree with the content of the Chinese classical dance therapy group scheme designed in this study. 2. The Chinese classical dance therapy group can enhance the daily life awareness of college students. 3. The Chinese classical dance therapy group can improve the overall physical awareness, physical use, muscle tension, and physical control of university students. 4. The Chinese classical dance therapy group can increase the awareness of college students that breathing can help relax the body. 5. The Chinese classical dance therapy group can improve the overall emotional regulation and emotional reflection of college students. 6. The Chinese classical dance therapy group can improve college students' emotion adjustment strategies and has a tracking effect on emotional awareness and emotional efficacy. The research results can provide references and suggestions for psychological counseling practitioners and future research.

Parkinson’s from inside out: emerging and unexpected benefits of a long-term partnership

This article is a personal reflection on a long-standing patient and public involvement (PPI) partnership between a person with Parkinson’s and a cognitive neuroscience researcher. They describe how the partnership arose, was established and evolved to produce unexpected benefits to the research and more broadly. Initially, working together helped to communicate the purpose of the research to a lay audience and to make lab-based testing sessions for people with Parkinson’s as comfortable as possible. They then worked together on the steering group for a research project about Parkinson’s and imitation, which led to co-designing interventions using imitation and imagination of movements to improve movements, including a dance class. Further benefits were realised through co-teaching undergraduate students about Parkinson’s, establishing a broader culture of PPI within the research lab and sharing their expertise of PPI more broadly. They consider key ingredients for successful collaboration, including shared curiosity, open-mindedness and trust, as well as the importance of informal discussion and space. Challenges are also considered, including authorship of research articles and anonymity. Their account demonstrates the value of the collaboration to research itself, but also the broader (often unexpected) benefits that can emerge when a collaboration has space and time to flourish.

초등교사의 무용 수업 경험에 대한 연구동향 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze studies on the dance class experience of elementary school teachers and to grasp the research tasks of elementary school dance education in the future. Methods For data collection, a total of 40 studies on elementary school teachers' dance class-related experiences were selected using the Korean academic journal index (KCI), and analyzed focusing on publication years, research methods, and research subject. Results As a result of the study, first, the annual research trend was gradually increasing to 8 from 2004 to 2009, 10 from 2010 to 2014, and 22 from 2015 to 2022. However, in research related to elementary dance education, research related to teachers is relatively insufficient. Second, by research method, there were 21 qualitative studies, 14 quantitative studies, and 5 mixed studies. Before 2014, there were many quantitative studies, but after 2015, qualitative studies have been actively conducted to directly confirm the experiences of elementary school teachers. Third, research topics were divided into teacher competency and expertise, difficulty in operating dance classes, awareness of dance education, development and application of dance education programs, and dance curriculum. Conclusions In the end, it was confirmed that the role of teachers is the most important in elementary dance education and that teacher education is necessary to strengthen teachers' competencies.

Yoga versus classical dance therapy to reduce stress in women working from home

Background: COVID-19 pandemic led to rise of work from home job pattern. Although, now the situation is better still the hybrid pattern of work continues. This situation has led to rise in stress levels in women working from home. Early intervention to reduce the stress will help to overcome ill effects of stress like headache, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, hypertension etc. This study aims to understand which intervention works the best to reduce stress in women working from home.Methods: Yoga as an intervention which had sustained posture and breathing control techniques while classical dance therapy-Bharatnatyam had structured basic dance movements and portraying of nine emotions. Pre and post intervention stress values were assessed through an outcome measure-the perceived stress scale-10. Online intervention for thrice a week for four weeks was incorporated.Results: The results interpreted that post four week of intervention through online mode yoga therapy gives statistically and clinically significant decrease in stress levels while classical dance therapy gives clinically significant result but fails to give statistically significant result.Conclusions: Women working from home mostly had moderate stress on perceived stress scale 10. Yoga therapy reduced the stress post four weeks in women working from home. The reduction in stress was statistically significant. Classical dance therapy reduced the stress post four weeks in women working from home. But, the reduction in stress was not statistically significant. Yoga is better than classical dance to reduce stress in women working from home.

DIDACTIC MODEL OF TEACHING CLASSICAL DANCE IN PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF CHOREOGRAPHY

In the article, the author reveals the relevance of the problem of teaching classical dance in the professional training of future choreography teachers. A set of didactic conditions for teaching classical dance in the system of professional training of future teachers of choreography was determined: strengthening the cognitive interest of choreographer students in classical dance; visualization of methods of teaching classical dance in the system of professional training of future teachers of choreography; creation of modern educational and methodological support for the independent work of future teachers of choreography. A didactic model of classical dance teaching in the professional training of future choreography teachers was developed, which is presented as a set of three blocks (methodological-target, content-technological and control-evaluative).

ANALISIS KOREOGRAFI TARI BEDAYA RETNA DUMILAH KARYA S. NGALIMAN TJONDROPANGRAWIT

Bedaya Retna Dumilah is a type of Surakarta-style classical dance danced by seven female dancers. The composer of this dance was S. Ngaliman Tjondropangrawit in 1978. This Bedaya dance is rarely performed. The form of presentation of the Bedaya Retna Dumilah dance is unique and exciting. The uniqueness of this dance lies in the dance moves, floor patterns, accompaniment, and themes. This study aims to analyze and describe the Choreography of the Bedaya Retna Dumilah Dance by S. Ngaliman Tjondropangrawit. The method was carried out by analyzing the visual data of the Bedaya Retna Dumilah Dance video from the text side and conducting interviews using triangulation to obtain valid data. The choreographic approach was analyzed descriptively from form, technique, and content aspects from Y.Sumandiyo Hadi's book Choreography: form-technique-content. S. Ngaliman composed the Bedaya dance with various innovations from movements, floor patterns, timing, themes, poetry, and dance accompaniment. The renewal of this work is necessary so that it can be taught to students in the Dance Study Program, especially for teaching Surakarta Dance classes. The theme of war plus romance by including dance accompaniment with "sindenan" poetry, which describes the romance between Panembahan Senopati and Retna Dumilah. The results found from the Choreography of the Bedaya Retna Dumilah Dance are that the theme of the dance is an essential part of composing the Bedaya dance. The piece of romance influences all aspects of the Bedaya Retna Dumilah dance composition. The dance theme also determines the color of the new arrangement of the Bedaya Retna Dumilah dance. S. Ngaliman Tjondropangrawit as a dance master from Surakarta. Significantly skillfully incorporating elements of novelty into the Bedaya Retna Dumilah dance. This renewal will attract the younger generation to learn and preserve the Surakarta-style Bedaya dance.

Choreographic Culture of Ukraine in Scientific Research in 2017–2021: Analysis of Main Directions

The purpose of the article is to analyse a number of dissertation studies that have actualised the cultural problems of the Ukrainian choreographic culture development. The research methodology is based on the use of scientific research methods, such as analysis, synthesis, and generalisation. The possibilities of a personalised approach to the study of choreographic culture are emphasised, thanks to which the theoretical aspects and practical experience of Ukrainian scientists are outlined. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the systematisation of scientific research conducted in recent years in the field of choreographic culture of Ukraine. Conclusions. The topics of dissertation research in recent years have revealed noticeable trends in the study of theoretical issues and practices, namely the formation and development of Ukrainian choreographic culture of the 20th-21st centuries, folk choreographic art as a carrier of ethno-cultural identity (I. Klymchuk), transformational processes of Ukrainian folk choreography (V. Lytvynenko), and the phenomenon of virtuosity in Ukrainian folk-stage dance (A. Morozov). Significant are the studies that focus on the regional and stylistic features of the folk choreographic culture of Ukraine (V. Hordeev, O. Kvetsko, I. Mostova, A. Pidlypskyi, A. Tymchula, L. Shchur). A noticeable segment in modern scientific research belongs to the problems of ballet art, which organically combines folk and classical dance, having a practical reflection in performances of national themes, the use of national artistic images, as well as consideration of the creative activity of ballet masters and ballet dancers of Ukraine. Key words: culture, Ukrainian choreographic culture, folk choreographic art, ballet art, folk stage dance, classical dance.

Dostoevsky – Not a Defeated Idol in Akim Volynsky’s

Abstract In Dostoevsky’s artistic quest, Volynsky saw general paths of development of culture and literature. In his last book on dance, Kniga likovanii: Azbuka klassicheskogo tantsa (1925)[The Book of Exaltations: The Alphabet of Classical Dance], Volynsky espouses a new ‘motor aesthetics’, in which the language and rules of ballet, as well as the connection of classical ballet with other arts is set out, whereby the technique of the emergence of the human spirit is reflected in the movements of the human body. The Book of Exaltations is proof that Dostoevsky never became a ‘defeated idol’ for Volynsky. In the article Infernal Woman (1900), answering the question why exactly beauty is undefinable, Volynsky gives the brief but exhaustive explanation that the undefined is in the “dualism of the span of beauty” (‘размах красоты’). In The Book of Exaltations, Volynsky already operates with this accidentally found image of ‘the span of beauty’, transposed into the term ‘coupé’, expanding it to a synthetic judgment in the Kantian sense.