Motivational Factors Influencing Commitment Levels among College Dancers toward Sustained Engagement in Performing Arts Education

This study investigated the motivational factors influencing the commitment of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College dancers across its campuses. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research involved 111 college dancers, with the instrument validated by five evaluators. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and Pearson correlation through SPSS. Findings showed that most respondents were aged 19–20 (62.2%) and predominantly female (54.1%). A large proportion were in their third (43.2%) and fourth years (28.8%), with strong representation from education programs, particularly BCAED (25.2%) and BPED (21.6%). Both intrinsic (M = 3.50) and extrinsic motivation (M = 3.47) were rated high, indicating that dancers’ commitment stemmed from personal passion and growth, as well as external factors like recognition, rewards, and peer support. Participation also scored high, with stronger commitment to competitions (M = 3.40) than rehearsals (M = 3.26). Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between motivation and demographic factors such as age, year level, or course. However, sex showed a negative correlation with both intrinsic (r = –0.228, p < 0.05) and extrinsic motivation (r = –0.249, p < 0.01), highlighting differences in how male and female dancers respond to motivational factors. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were strongly correlated with participation in rehearsals and competitions. The study concludes that motivation rather than demographics plays a vital role in sustaining dancers’ engagement. These findings informed the creation of the KAYAW Dance Varsity Program, designed to strengthen discipline, cultural grounding, and long-term commitment among student-dancers.