What do you think of when you hear the word sport? Most people probably think of soccer, football, or baseball. Many people might not think of dance, but why not?
The Oxford Dictionary defines a sport as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment” (OED). Since dance is often associated with art and beauty, it is not normally considered competitive in the same way.
People don’t realize that dance is very physically intense. Dancers spend countless hours a day in the studio working on endurance, flexibility, strengthening, and technique. Junior Pierson DelVecchio, a PDS dancer, said “Not many people know about how much it is to dance. People think dance is easy, but that is the whole point. We’re supposed to make it look easy.” Often in sports, athletes sweat and gasp for air, but dancers look graceful and composed as they perform on stage. It is one thing to be strong enough to win a game; it is another to be able to make it look effortless.
Dance performances are beautiful recitals, but dancers train to compete as well. Just like athletes in any sport, dancers practice to improve. In group dances, teamwork is essential: every dancer must work together to have the best final result. Even in solo performances, teamwork is important; the show could not go on without the crew backstage.
While dance meets the definition of a sport, it is also an art: performances tell a story, express emotions, and connect with the audience. It is important to recognize that dance’s creativity and emotion don’t make it less of a sport, but more complex. Dance looks effortless because of all the hard work and training behind each performance. As Pierson DelVecchio put it, “It’s so physically demanding, but it’s also beautiful.”
Ultimately, dance deserves to be seen as a sport and an art. It demands physical strength, teamwork, and dedication, just like other sports. Seeing dance simply as entertainment overlooks the hard work and dedication that dancers commit. By seeing dance as a sport and an art, we can truly appreciate the power and beauty in each performance.
