Live to dance, dance to live

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of body image and self-esteem amongst a population of salsa dancers located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The research adopted a qualitative approach in order to study this matter. Six participants were recruited from amongst the salsa dancing community in Johannesburg. The sampling strategy employed was purposive, with an element of snowball sampling. Data was collected via the use of semi-structured interviews with the research participants. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used in order to make meaning of the data. The rationale of the study was to investigate a genre of dance not investigated thoroughly with reference to body image and self-esteem. The study found that salsa dancing had a significant impact on the self-esteem and the body image of the dancers particularly in assisting the dancers to become attuned to the self and the body and in enhancing the self-concept, confidence and overall self-esteem of the dancers. The study also found that overall salsa dancing does not necessitate a specific body type in order to take part in the dance.