Somatiska perspektiv inom balett : en kvalitativ studie om balettlärares användning av somatiska förhållningssätt i undervisning

Sammanfattning: Ballet and somatic practice are two different fields with separate approaches regarding the body and its movement. Ballet in general is structured by a specific frame emerging from traditions and conventions which have effect on the dancer’s movement patterns and body. On the other hand, a somatic approach initiates movement from within which depends on the individual daily condition. The practitioners are encouraged to work from their own terms, therefore all bodies can be included in somatic practices. The aim of this study was to find out which somatic principles and perspectives ballet teachers use in their ballet teaching and how they relate it to their teaching methods. Our empirical material consist of observations and interviews with three different ballet teachers that took place in Stockholm, which later are processed with content analysis. The content analysis resulted in five main categories. Based on the data collection the result showed that the ballet teachers use somatic approach in their teaching. It also revealed three basic components in their teaching which are: anatomy, the use of language and the use of touch. These three components complement each other and provide the dancer tools to support their dancing as well as becoming more aware of their body’s function. A fundamental element in somatic is the dancer’s negotiation about their bodily needs. Through their choices the dancer can develop a deeper awareness that can maintain a physical balance which leads to a sustainable body.