Psychological research in dance

In: Zbornik Matice Srpske za društvene nauke: Proceedings for social sciences, Heft 181, S. 47-61

Abstract

This paper examines dance as a significant ethnological, historical, geographical, sociological, artistic, musical, aesthetic, psychological, biological, and psychotherapeutic phenomenon. The main focus is on its psychological aspects and the interconnectedness of psychological and physical components, which enables a unique experience not only for the person who dances but also for the observers. In the first part, the complex phenomenon of dance is elaborated, differences between spontaneous dance and dance as an artistic discipline are highlighted and a new comprehensive definition of dance is offered. Secondly, different aspects of dance are looked at through the prism of questions that intrigue researchers in various psychological disciplines such as developmental psychology, social, cognitive, health and clinical psychology, physiological, evolutionary, and finally the psychology of creativity. The last chapter provides the basic determinants of artistic dance from the perspective of the psychology of creativity. Specific issues related to artistic dance are discussed, including the characteristics of a creative person - choreographer or performer, creative process, work of art - dance, audience and creative environment. The paper concludes with a brief overview of the importance of psychology for the field of dance, and vice versa, emphasizing the continuous interchange between the two.