Reducing Perfectionism Through Contemporary Ballet Pedagogy

Abstract Why is perfectionism so prevalent in ballet? Is perfectionism a desirable characteristic to cultivate within this dance form? If not, how can one reduce perfectionism in ballet practices? In this chapter, the author investigates these questions and proposes that her contemporary ballet pedagogical methodology has the potential to reduce perfectionistic tendencies in ballet students and training. This teaching system is grounded in her experiences dancing in contemporary ballet repertory, especially the choreography of Trey McIntyre, Alonzo King, and Amy Seiwert. The chapter presents a system of 11 essential elements that are proposed as critical to the development of a contemporary ballet dancer and how they contribute to a culture of risk-taking, exploration, and discovery. Drawing from current research on perfectionism, the author draws parallels between the ways that perfectionism manifests in the ballet studio and its existence in everyday life, along with demonstrating how these 11 contemporary ballet elements can reduce perfectionism inside and outside the studio.