Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Social media has fundamentally transformed the commercial dance industry, reshaping how dancers establish careers, connect with industry professionals, and promote their artistry. This thesis examines the impact of social media platforms – such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube – on career growth by facilitating networking opportunities, increasing visibility, and redefining industry standards. The research explores how digital platforms have shifted the traditional pathways to success, enabling dancers to showcase their work independently while also creating challenges related to self-promotion, competition, and mental health.
Through a series of in-depth interviews with professional dancers and choreographers actively working in the industry, this study analyzes the ways in which social media serves as both a tool and a potential barrier. The project is presented in a 35 minute documentary-style video, incorporating personal testimonies, performance footage, and critical discussions about the evolving role of digital media in dance. The findings show that while social media creates more opportunities, it also adds pressure to constantly create content, gain followers, and market oneself as a brand. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital influence in the performing arts and invites further exploration into how social media will continue to shape the industry's future.
Recommended Citation
Lisowski, Luke, "Dancing in the Digital Age: How Social Media Shapes the Commercial Dance Industry" (2025). Honors College Theses. 395.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/honorscollege_theses/395
E-Sign Agreement
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Included in
Advertising and Promotion Management Commons, Art Education Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Dance Commons, Film Production Commons, Liberal Studies Commons, Performance Studies Commons, Social Media Commons