Participating in Competitions to Go to University: The Discourse of Ballet Competitions in South Korea

This study unravels the intricate dynamics of ballet competitions in South Korea, highlighting the interplay between domestic and international competitions. Expected to function as fair and credible tests, domestic competitions in South Korea are entwined with academicism, neoliberalism, and private education. Meanwhile, international ballet competitions are perceived as more prestigious and occupy a hierarchical status over domestic events, which influences and, at times, compromises local practices and discourses. This research examines the interplay of nationalism, commercialism, and genre rivalry in dance competition to emphasize how these events in South Korea serve diverse entities and play both symbolic and practical roles.