Self-determination theory as an explanation for the motivation of novice and expert ballet dancers

• Main Authors: Cabrera, Elana Liezl I., Estallo, Rocky L., Solsoly, Carizza Louise M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2011
• Subjects: Personality and motivation; Ballet dancers; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/10717
• Institution: De La Salle University

This research explored the motivation of novice and expert ballet dancers using the Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 200). Its main objective was to learn and understand the different factors that motivate a dancer to dance. The researchers have interviewed a total of 20 respondents 10 novices, these are the enrolled student dancers and 10 experts, company members of a prestigious ballet company in the Philippines. The respondents answers undergone qualitative analysis which arrived at several themes under the three basic needs of the Self-Determination Theory. The results of the study are as follows: novice ballet dancers are motivated by autonomy and relatedness while expert ballet dancers are motivated by the three needs itself autonomy, competence and relatedness. Researchers have developed a revised framework based on the results they have gathered and analyzed.