Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

Second Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Zabriskie, Queen

Area of Concentration

General Studies

Abstract

In this thesis, I examine how minority students react to being involved in an after school dance program that focuses on ballet. Ballet is a predominantly and historically white space. I look at how the minority youth’s self-esteem is formed, discuss how after school programs affect youth empowerment, and how body expectations influence dancers, especially young dancers of color. I support my claims with evidence gained through a mixed methods approach with includes participant observation, surveys and interviews. I ground my study in the existing literature on race, gender and the ideal body and youth empowerment programs. I will conclude my thesis on minority students of ballet with a discussion of the changes that could be implemented to make the program more inclusive.

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