Sensing, moving and being seen – Exploring the embodied dynamics of the ‘invisible gaze’ behind the scenes of ballet and fashion modelling (Esitys The EGOS and Organization Studies Kyoto Workshopissa, Kyoto 13.-15.12. 2019)

Abstract

<p>This paper explores the ‘hidden’ dynamics of embodied agency within the performative context of ballet. Specifically, this paper seeks to investigate how ballet dancers use not only their embodied agency – their physical bodies, movements and gestures – but crucially also their ‘embodied imagination’ offstage to perform for others onstage. By doing so, the dancers widen their personal leeway at work. Theoretically, we conceptualize embodied agency as a relational, on-going process that entails symbols, gestures and bodily movement. As a sense of self-assertion, embodied agency grows in line with one’s experience – it is an ability to break the limits and question at work and in life if needed. Empirically, we focus on how ballet dancers rehearsing behind the scenes offstage towards onstage performances of perfection continuously negotiate their ambivalent relationship with the audience and its (self)disciplining ‘invisible gaze’. This is a theoretically and empirically intriguing aspect of work, as less is known about how embodied agency is choreographed and practiced in relation to the audience in the more ‘hidden’ off stages. This paper shows how the dynamics of the ‘invisible’ gaze negotiated in-between the hidden offstage and the visible onstage meticulously shapes the everyday work of these professionals. Moreover, our study gives insights into those fine-grained characteristics of everyday work, such as the attempts to break free from the existing work practices and norms in order to have possibilities to make one’s own decisions apart from the formal leader(s) of the company. Finally, our paper provides a nuanced understanding of the partly ‘hidden’ sensations and work practices of professional dancers, and by so doing, opens up novel possibilities for developing all kinds of organizations, their personnel and welfare.</p>