Axiological Potential of Choreographic Art in the Affirmation of National and Cultural Identity

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to reveal the axiological potential of choreographic art in the affirmation of national and cultural identity. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach, which allows for scientific analysis from the perspectives of philosophy, cultural studies, art history and the sociology of culture. The research applies general scientific methods (analysis, comparison and generalisation) and specific hermeneutic methods to reveal symbolism and semantic imagery in choreography, as well as content analysis to highlight the main groups of values and their interpretation in choreographic art, ranging from its classical to folk dimensions. The scientific novelty is to reveal the axiological potential of choreographic art in affirming national and cultural identity, using the example of Ukraine and global choreographic practices. Conclusions. Thus, choreographic art, thanks to the symbiosis of its universal nature, visuality and plasticity, acts as an effective medium for conveying artistic images, meanings, senses and values. The latter are represented by several groups that highlight different vectors of their influence on the habitus of society and national identity, namely: societal, ethical, gnoseological and cultural. The first ones focus on narratives of solidarity, struggle, unity and freedom (the national dances “Hopak” and “Agir ava ve Kaitarma”) and reflections on traumatic experiences (“Tram of Desires”, “War-Time Elegy”); the latter on moral choices – conscience, justice, love (tango, “Rain”, “LISOVA”, “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors”); epistemological works focus on the existence of human life and the search for the meaning of life (“Infinite Ocean”, “Know Yourself”); cultural works present choreographic art as an element of world cultural heritage and highlight its authenticity and uniqueness as part of national culture. Thus, the axiological synthetic nature of choreographic art underscores its influence on the presentation of national-cultural identity within socio-cultural processes at both local and global levels.