An investigation into social support and identity of dance graduates who transition away from a career in performance / Hannah Scott (2020)

The primary focus of this study was to explore social support and identity of dance graduates who transition away from a career in performance, with the overall aim to gain an insight and broader understanding into this insufficiently researched topic. Ten female ballet and contemporary dance graduates (22.7 ± 1.01) participated in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis guide. Results revealed dancers acquired a strong connection with their ‘dance identities’ throughout their training, consequently resulting in many participants experiencing identity challenges during transition. Results also disclosed an array of accessible sources of support throughout dancers training. However, participants expressed an absence of appropriate support to ensure smooth and successful transitions into employment. On this basis, to reduce the impact this transition has on dancers’ identity, alongside improving levels of support, this study recommends institutions value a range of career prospects both within and outside the dance sector.