Improving artistic expressiveness in standard dances – youth level

Abstract

In order to achieve high-performance results, a good knowledge of all aspects related to the complex training of athletes is vital. Evaluation and scoring criteria in DanceSport and especially Standard Dances highlight more and more the importance of artistic training and expression for dancers. This scientific approach aims to find an explicit formulation of some opinions about the systematisation of improvisation lessons and creativity training, raising a series of personal and professional concerns regarding artistic expressiveness and body expression from the perspective of Standard Dances. The research methods used in the present paper are: literature review, observation (systematic and participatory observation), conversation and experiment. The investigated sample consists of 10 mixed couples of D-Class Standard dancers (10 girls and 10 boys) aged 16-18, who participate in official Youth competitions and are affiliated to the Romanian DanceSport Federation (FRDS). Analysis of the obtained results has revealed that the differences between the initial and final tests can be considered statistically significant and therefore the training methodology used, including the methods, the means and especially the dosage and stages of training, lead to higher indices, the Student’s t Test values supporting and validating the research hypothesis. By addressing motor skills in a structured learning process, we will be able to influence in an advantageous way the path from spontaneous body expression to educated expressive behaviours.