The construction of the ideal body in classical ballet: a phenomenological investigation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify and understand by perspective of ballerinas surveyed the ideal body demanded by the practice of ballet. Therefore, we chose a epistemological orientation supported by the phenomenology of Edmund Husserl and authors in tune with phenomenological approach. As a research technique were performed semi-structured interviews in-depth. What is common in the speech of the dancers is a reference to an ideal body that is centered in the productions made by major ballet companies. In these perceptions, the ideal and desired body of classical ballet can be both innate to the person how constructed and transformed with much effort and dedication.