Inspirational teachers: their role in the development of excellence in professional dancers

Abstract

In the study of outstanding performers, research has established the important role of significant people at different stages of excellence development. Specifically, teachers and mentors seem to have a central role in this process, contributing to the investment and persistence of individuals in learning, developing, and mastering a given task, as to professional socialization and influence. In this study, types of support and influence of teachers and mentors at different stages of dancers’ excellence pathways are identified and analyzed. Using a case study approach, four dancers nominated for revealing excellence in performance and being actively engaged in their field were interviewed. Results confirm past research on the influential role of teachers and mentors in talent and expertise development. Dancers identify significant teachers and choreographers in their careers, particularly their important support on skill acquisition and mastery. Also, their role on dancers’ careers as “inspirational teachers/choreographers” was also referred to. Reflections on future research are discussed.