Output details

‘An investigation into audiences’ televisual experience of Strictly Come Dancing’

Brief Description

This paper details some qualitative research conducted exploring audiences’ responses to watching Stricty Come Dancing 2009. Using kinesthetic empathy as the framework, the paper exemplifies audiences’ written response to the visual, emotional and kinesthetic qualities of this television programme.

Research Rationale

The main aim of the research was to investigate the concept of kinesthetic empathy and to see how this central concern in dance spectatorship might be theorised in relation to the active/passive debate in media audience research. Viewers’ motivation and commitment in how they watch Strictly will be explored to try and understand the range of viewing strategies adopted. From the research, areas that have been highlighted for particular attention are spectacle, emotional connection, admiration of skill and aspiration to dance. The conclusion will draw together discussion of moments of passivity, kinesthetic experience and active or passive engagement in relation to the concept of intuitive spectatorship.

Strategies Undertaken

This paper explores ten participants’ viewing experience of Strictly Come Dancing (BBC, 2009b) through personal, reflective diary writing. Kinesthetic empathy as a framework was used to interpret the audiences’ responses.