The ballroom and couple dances through the lens of performance theories

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33871/21750769.2026.22.1.11998

Keywords:

Performance, Ballroom, Couple dance, Choreography

Abstract

This essay presents an exploratory study of the performative qualities within the various coexisting relationships in a ballroom environment - the traditional locus for the practice of popular couple dances. It examines the interactions between the individuals within the dancing couple; between the couple and other pairs; between the observers and the dancers; and between the dancers and the musicians. Based on this primary analysis, the study reflects on the shifts in these identified performative qualities when couple dances are choreographed and transposed to a staged context. The essay is grounded in the theoretical perspectives of leading exponents of performance theory.

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Author Biography

Jomar Ferreira Mesquita, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Doutorando em Artes, no PPG Artes da Escola de Belas Artes da UFMG, orientado pela Profa. Dra. Mônica Medeiros Ribeiro, na linha de pesquisa Artes da Cena. Mestre em Administração pela Fundação Dom Cabral (2023), com pesquisa na área de gestão cultural, parcerias e patrocínios; Presidente da Associação Cultural Mimulus. Coreógrafo, bailarino, professor, gestor cultural, com atuação internacional.

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Published

2026-07-03

How to Cite

Ferreira Mesquita, J. (2026). The ballroom and couple dances through the lens of performance theories. O Mosaico, 22(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.33871/21750769.2026.22.1.11998

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): Revista O Mosaico No. 30

Section

Dossiê - Bloco II: Criação artística e performance (imaginação, linguagem, presença)

License

Copyright (c) 2026 O Mosaico

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