An autoethnography is a form of self-reflection and is writing that explains a researcher's personal experience on a situation, while explaining a cultural experience as well. Carolyn Ellis is a respected writer in this field and her work is revered by individuals throughout the world. She defines autoethnography as, “research, writing, story, and method that connect the autobiographical and personal to the cultural, social, and political." My work on my life as a dancer is similar to Ellis' research as I am part of the study. I grew up as a dancer and this project is a personal experience. This project also relates to Ellis' book since the primary groups of people are performance artists. Dance is a performance art and there is a slight connection between the art of dance and performance artists.
My autoethnography is about growing up as a dancer and the influence it has had on my life. I have danced since I was two years old and the impact the art has had on my adolescence and life is enormous. I have danced up until college and continue to miss the sport terribly. This autoethnography will explore the obstacles I faced as a dancer. It will also contain interviews from my mom and her perspective on being a "dance mom", and two friends who have danced with me my entire life. Authoethnography's are filled with interviews and I believe these three interviewees capture the importance of my life as a dancer.
My autoethnography is about growing up as a dancer and the influence it has had on my life. I have danced since I was two years old and the impact the art has had on my adolescence and life is enormous. I have danced up until college and continue to miss the sport terribly. This autoethnography will explore the obstacles I faced as a dancer. It will also contain interviews from my mom and her perspective on being a "dance mom", and two friends who have danced with me my entire life. Authoethnography's are filled with interviews and I believe these three interviewees capture the importance of my life as a dancer.