Classic Ballet and Contemporary Dance in Human Development: Paths to Freedom

Abstract

This article aims at analizing, from the starting point of a case study comparing Classic Ballet and Contemporary Dance, how dance can relate to human development, within the context of a capitalist-dominated society. We have observed that contemporary dance offers many enriching forms of work, with great openness for the perceptive and creative growth of a human being. The analyzed group, however, presented a few contradictions in regards to the contents and methodology that were used to achieve their goals. Lettin go of the old conceptions in the teaching of dance, wich are very much reaffirmed in classic ballet, is hard to achieve. It is, however, absolutely necessary, if we are to adopt a new approach, based on freedom and respect for human individuality. Classic ballet searches for the appropriate, institutionalized technique, which brings in itself codes and meanings that reflect an authoritative and hierarchical society. Its work is based on reproduction and repetition in order to achieve technically perfect movements. I believe that the possibility of creation, intervention and questionings within the teaching environment are fundamental to the upbringing of a human being who understands him/herself as the creator, the author of his/her own actions within society. KEY WORDS: Dance - Human development - Classic ballet - Contemporary dance.