The male dancer : a psychological analysis of the lived experiences of Maltese male dancers

Abstract

This qualitative study sought to gain an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of Maltese male dancers. In reaching the aims of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Maltese male dancers who have been dancing for at least five years. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was utilised to analyse how the participants attempt to make sense of their personal and social environment. Four superordinate themes emerged which highlight various key factors encountered by the participants. Setting the tone, the participants cited their family members and idols as role models, as well as the physical, mental, and social aspects of dance as motivators. In terms of society, a cultural shift was observed, with younger participants receiving more positive responses than older participants, despite their beliefs to the contrary. Furthermore, the local passage of time was also encapsulated throughout all the themes, seeing the male dancer in different eras. The results also indicate how bio-psycho-social experiences impact the individual’s sense of self and his performance.