Investigating online community dance participation as a result of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the U.K.: An interpretive phenomenological approach / Faye Shortall (2021)

Between March 2020 and July 2021, restrictions on social gathering were enforced to limit the spread of COVID-19, and traditional dance spaces including performance venues and studios were closed. Instead, community dance classes were delivered online via video conferencing platforms including Zoom, with living rooms and kitchens replacing studios and halls.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore whether online classes fulfil the well-researched health and social benefits of face-to-face community arts participation. Also studied is the role teacher feedback plays in intrinsic motivation within participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine (N=9) adult females who attended community dance classes delivered online during lockdown. Data was analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA).

The accessibility and useability of online platforms presented opportunities and barriers, concurrently. In most cases, findings demonstrate that the ability to build new and maintain existing social relationships is challenging, and the loss of the collective sense of moving together remains an issue. Personal / skill development is possible, but reliant on a perceived sense of teacher adaptability and effective communication. Further findings demonstrate that participation had a positive effect on health and wellbeing, in-line with the literature regarding face-toface participation. Individual, teacher feedback seemed integral to the intrinsic motivation of participants, and where lacking, amotivation was present. Most participants overcame technical difficulties, with one unwilling to persevere, resulting in drop-out. A return to face-to-face provision also presented barriers including geographical location and childcare, yet was welcomed by most. Three hope that online provision continues due to an inability to access face-to-face provision. These findings could help dance practitioners and community arts outreach professionals navigate the evolution of community dance in the digital domain.