CROSS-FIELD COMPARISON: A STUDY ON THE PARALLEL BETWEEN MIRROR USE IN DANCE AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE

Abstract

This study explores the impact of mirrors in dance training environments on dancers' mindset and perception of self and evaluates the similarities between the use of the mirror in dance training environments and the use of social media. There is much research regarding the impact of social media use on Gen Z (ages 8-23) citing effects, such as body objectification, lowered levels of self-image, and changes in eating habits. This research proposes that Gen Z college-aged dancers (age 18-23) face the same effects. This researcher believes that the use of mirrors in dance pedagogy and the use of social media both mask themselves as sources of information, but both are closed-feedback systems that cause the user to objectify their own bodies. Through close examination of secondary literature, data analysis of qualitative interviews, and the researcher's own lived-bodily experience dancing in front of a mirror for 18+ years and as a digital native, it can be concluded that mirrors can have negative effects on dancers' self-esteem, body image, and mental health, and promote comparison and unhealthy self-talk. However, training in the absence of the mirror can improve dancers' connection to the space and proprioception, enhance their movement, and improve their experience in the studio. The study also found similarities between the negative effects of mirrors and social media on users' self-esteem, body image, and mental health. This paper suggests that conscious and intentional use of mirrors, like social media, can mitigate these negative effects.