A recent study conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt, Germany, found that both amateur and professional dancers exhibit lower levels of neuroticism compared to non-dancers. Additionally, dancers tend to be more agreeable, open, and extraverted. The specific genre of dance also plays a role in these personality traits.
In a collaborative effort with experts in the field of dance, the researchers analyzed data from over 5,000 individuals in Sweden and 574 in Germany to assess their Big Five Personality Traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
One of the key findings of the study was that dancers, similar to musicians, demonstrate higher levels of agreeableness and openness compared to non-dancers. However, dancers were notably less neurotic than individuals who do not engage in dancing.
Lead author Julia F. Christensen highlighted that dancers and singers often exhibit high levels of extraversion due to the nature of their art forms, which involve expressive bodily movements in socially exposed settings. Further research is needed to delve deeper into this aspect.
The study also pointed out potential personality differences among dancers of various styles, suggesting that swing dancers, for instance, may show even lower levels of neuroticism compared to Latin and Standard dancers. Nonetheless, more extensive investigations with larger participant pools are required to validate these findings.
Going forward, the researchers aim to broaden their investigation into dancers’ personalities across different cultures and dance styles to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between dance and personality traits.
