Expert Choreographer’s Instructional Strategies Related to Professional Dancers’ Studentship Behavior

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the studentship behaviors of professional dancers who are actively engaged in creative artistic activities both in Korea and abroad, and to maximize performance success with minimal effort to sustain continuous dance company activities with famous choreographers. Additionally, this study investigates the coping strategies employed by professional dance instructors in response to these studentship behaviors.<br/> Method: Ten participants were involved in the study, including two choreographers who are professional dance instructors actively engaged in creative artistic activities domestically and internationally, and eight professional dancers who have collaborated with these choreographers for more than five years. Data were collected by visiting the practice sites and conducting participant observations once or twice a week for approximately 100-120 minutes each session, totaling 14 visits. Additionally, data were gathered through interviews, each lasting approximately 60-80 minutes. Data analysis was conducted using the grounded theory method, a qualitative research approach, by examining the field notes and interview transcripts.<br/> Results: The study revealed several types of studentship behaviors among professional dancers. First, dancers frequently multitask and sustain injuries, leading them to practice marking as a strategy to cope with rigorous training. Second, some dancers experienced distracting thoughts during practice, which hindered their ability to focus on performing dance movements; these distractions stemmed from challenges related to their own expressiveness and creative process. Third, dancers exhibited studentship behavior by practicing comfortably without a choreographer, using minimal energy. Fourth, dancers demonstrated collective studentship behavior by sharing the demands and messages they wished to convey to the choreographer and collaboratively engaging the trainer to communicate these demands and messages.<br/> Conclusion: Dance instructors employ four primary coping strategies to address the studentship behaviors of professional dancers: trusting and waiting for the dancers, showing understanding and empathy, providing guidance to trainers, and managing public relations.