Graceful Bonds: A Sociological Perspective on the Enduring Appeal of Ballet in Adulthood

This study explores how adult participation in ballet influences identity formation, aesthetic self-cultivation, and a sense of communal belonging from a sociological perspective. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten adult ballet participants based in Seoul and the metropolitan area. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework. Three central themes emerged: (1) ballet as a site of cultural symbolism and aesthetic pursuit, (2) identity construction and self-redefinition in adulthood, and (3) communal belonging and the dynamics of social relationships. Participants perceived ballet not merely as physical exercise but as a symbolic and embodied practice for aesthetic expression and personal transformation. Engagement in ballet communities fostered emotional stability and long-term motivation through interpersonal connection. These findings were interpreted through the theoretical lenses of Stebbins’ (2007) concept of serious leisure and Bourdieu’s (1986) theory of cultural capital, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the sociocultural significance of adult arts participation. This study reframes adult leisure not as a purely individual experience, but as a culturally and socially embedded practice, offering practical implications for inclusive and sustainable approaches to arts education and leisure policy.