Why is Dance Not a Sport?
In the article “Why isn’t Dance an Olympic Event” author Meagan Bruskewicz compares figure skating to dance in terms of competition. Her main argument is questioning why dance is not an Olympic sport if it has the qualities of any other sport in the Olympics. She states that “dance involoves movement of the body, which makes it physical, like a sport.” (cite?)With this statement alone, the question is why is dance still not considered a sport and why isn’t it in the Olympics if figure skating is? With previous research, it is apparent that Bruskewicz is a reputable and reliable source for a valid argument on this topic. The background argument in this article corresponds to my argument with supporting facts on why and how dance is technically considered a sport.
Bruskewicz first argument begins by using Olympic figure skating as a reference and comparing the similarity between that and dance. In simple terms she argues why figure skating is considered a sport and in the Olympics, if dance is not. She debates that similarly to figure skating in the Olympics dance includes individuals executing various movements or skill-sets and being judged on them. Likewise, dance has a performance aspect with the musical portion of the activity, which most people then categorize it into an art. While athletes are being judged on multiple aspects when competing or playing, dancers have far more to worry about. Although most think performing is “for fun,” it is far from that seeing as competitive dancers are judged on their performance as well as their skills. Simply put Bruskewicz believes the most logical reasoning behind dance not being considered a sport is due to the origin of dance. When such activities were being discovered she points out that “the origins of dance were simply different than the recreation and competition of other sports.” The fact of the matter is, is that, dance has evolved with each generation; turning it further and further away from an art and into a sport.
Her second argument is shown through questioning if dance can ever NOT be considered an art. Bruskewicz has a good point in which she reveals the possibility of dance being a sport as well as an art. The amount of controversy and uneducated assumptions that tie into dance being an art is unfortunately a part of what makes it so hard to differentiate the two. “In any case, when I think about this whole topic, the pivotal question seems to be whether dance can depart from the realm of art and enter the realm of sport.”
She interestingly pointed out minor qualities that could differentiate dance from any other sport. As trivial as it sounds, is competitive dance not a sport because of things like skates, bats, balls, or that “extra factor?” (2)
Bruskewicz’s final argument is questioning if all of the things supposedly missing from dance to categorize it as a sport, is added or considered, would it work out? There is no doubt with supporting evidence, just as she said , “Dance could be included, separated from art, considered a sport, considered athletic and competitive” and in turn fit in with the other sports. The real question is why hasn’t it happened yet? Benefits would be abundant for many dancers and audiences would multiply if dance was officially elected into being considered a sport. Many people are not familiar on the way of life dancers choose to live and with widespread publicity on the overlooked sport, dance can evolve to something even greater.
Bruskewicz does a great job representing the frequently pondered questions but her research is just information supporting her belief. There still is no correct way to really know why dance is not considered a sport in this day in age because of the abundance of possibilities of both why and why not. There is also no originating source to specifically ask, question, or reason why dance is not a sport.
Bruskewicz first argument begins by using Olympic figure skating as a reference and comparing the similarity between that and dance. In simple terms she argues why figure skating is considered a sport and in the Olympics, if dance is not. She debates that similarly to figure skating in the Olympics dance includes individuals executing various movements or skill-sets and being judged on them. Likewise, dance has a performance aspect with the musical portion of the activity, which most people then categorize it into an art. While athletes are being judged on multiple aspects when competing or playing, dancers have far more to worry about. Although most think performing is “for fun,” it is far from that seeing as competitive dancers are judged on their performance as well as their skills. Simply put Bruskewicz believes the most logical reasoning behind dance not being considered a sport is due to the origin of dance. When such activities were being discovered she points out that “the origins of dance were simply different than the recreation and competition of other sports.” The fact of the matter is, is that, dance has evolved with each generation; turning it further and further away from an art and into a sport.
Her second argument is shown through questioning if dance can ever NOT be considered an art. Bruskewicz has a good point in which she reveals the possibility of dance being a sport as well as an art. The amount of controversy and uneducated assumptions that tie into dance being an art is unfortunately a part of what makes it so hard to differentiate the two. “In any case, when I think about this whole topic, the pivotal question seems to be whether dance can depart from the realm of art and enter the realm of sport.”
She interestingly pointed out minor qualities that could differentiate dance from any other sport. As trivial as it sounds, is competitive dance not a sport because of things like skates, bats, balls, or that “extra factor?” (2)
Bruskewicz’s final argument is questioning if all of the things supposedly missing from dance to categorize it as a sport, is added or considered, would it work out? There is no doubt with supporting evidence, just as she said , “Dance could be included, separated from art, considered a sport, considered athletic and competitive” and in turn fit in with the other sports. The real question is why hasn’t it happened yet? Benefits would be abundant for many dancers and audiences would multiply if dance was officially elected into being considered a sport. Many people are not familiar on the way of life dancers choose to live and with widespread publicity on the overlooked sport, dance can evolve to something even greater.
Bruskewicz does a great job representing the frequently pondered questions but her research is just information supporting her belief. There still is no correct way to really know why dance is not considered a sport in this day in age because of the abundance of possibilities of both why and why not. There is also no originating source to specifically ask, question, or reason why dance is not a sport.