Genetic Makeup
Genetic
makeup incorporates one’s body type otherwise known as somatotype. Somatotypes have been categorised by WH Seldon
(1954) into three key shapes; endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph (as seen in
Figure 5) (Amezdroz et al, 2010). These body types can enable opportunities in
sport and physical activity but also, can deny and limit participation in other
sports and activities. Additionally, the genetic makeup of a
person also impacts the participation and achievement in dance; effecting their
self-concept (Kiss et al, 2010).
![Picture](/uploads/3/0/2/4/30246883/647584487.jpg?250)
The
individual is advantaged when dancing, as he has an ectomorph body shape,
enabling him to perform effectively, enhancing the individual’s
self-concept in and about dance. Amezdroz el al (2010) suggests that
a person’s body type can make them better suited to particular
sports where the success of an individual is generally governed by physical
characteristics of current successful athletes in those sports (Amezdroz et al,
2010). In addition to the individual’s ectomorph body shape, they also possess
muscular toning and strength. These qualities are due to physical developments that participation
in soccer, athletics and water polo game play and training have had, without
the muscle being excessive. This physique is similar to one of male
adolescent and professional dancers where relatively small upper arms and muscular
calves and ankles are seen. This is clear in male ballet dancers, which
requires them to have a thin, slim yet, muscular body type so they can perform
strength and flexibility demanding movements (seen in Figure 6) (W. Garrett, and D. Kirkendall,
2000). These of which are the characteristics of an ectomorph (seen in Figure 5) (Amezdroz et al, 2010;
Tang, 2013). Illustration of this is seen a comparison between Figure 7 and Clip 1 (below) which highlights that the male individual has highly similar physical characteristics to those of a professional.
Figure 7: Images of the male individual performing Latin American Dance.
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Clip 1: Video of Professional Latin dancers.
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It is evident that the individual possesses the physical characteristics of a male dancer as he acquires a tall and lean physique without those being excessive which is also seen in the professional male dancers such as those dancing Latin styled dance seen in clip 1 (above). This in consequence positively enhances his self-concept, self-esteem and self-confidence in dance. Additionally, it enables him to perform successfully in the activity because of his natural physical capabilities in dance (Kiss et al, 2010). This has been obvious in the individual's life as they have received high achievements in dance such as when performing in Latin American dance and through these achievements, further enhancements have been made on the on the individuals self-esteem and self-confidence. Consequently, this enhanced self-concept, self-esteem and self-confidence as well as natural ability to perform well in dance increases the likelihood of the individual obtaining enjoyment, motivation to be engaged in the sport and thus, the future pursuit and participation in dance (Kiss et al, 2010). The individual's personal beliefs, values and attitudes also is a significant influence on their self-concept and ultimately their future participation.