Features of the Development of Television Dance Show through the Prism of the Transformation of Mass Culture: Historical Retrospective

Abstract

 show based on the study of Anglo-Saxon media content of the late 30s of the 20th century – the first quarter of the 21st century. Research methodology. The method of theoretical analysis, historical-cultural method, typological method, method of structural-functional analysis, method of culturological analysis, method of comparative analysis were applied. Scientific novelty. The features of the formation of the format of the modern television dance show on American and British television are considered. Common and distinctive features of the first television dance show and modern popular formats ‘So, You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing"’ are identified. The evolution of the television dance show is analysed through the prism of the transformation of mass culture. Conclusions. Based on the conducted research, it can be stated that in Anglo-Saxon mass culture, starting from the early stages of television broadcasting, there has been a significant interest in various forms of integrating dance into television programmes. At the same time, a study of the genesis and evolution of the television dance show on American and British cable channels allows us to speak about the presence of two different directions of development, which led to the formation of several distinctive formats, represented at the present stage by the television shows ‘So, You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, respectively. The first is characterised by the representation of a wide range of dance genres and styles, an emphasis on the personality and history of the participant, his transformation into one of the main characters of modern pop culture. The second is limited to ballroom dancing, the emphasis is on the star partner, competition between famous personalities, personal relationships between partners. Among the common features that ensure the immense popularity of the television dance show: a combination of bright spectacle that meets the artistic and aesthetic needs of the modern viewer, virtuosity of performance, emphasis on the competitive component, interactivity, transformation of the viewer and co-creator, social orientation of the subject of the performances, in particular in the aspect of diversity and inclusion, active presence in Internet content.