The four temperaments

Definition

The four temperaments is an ancient theory that categorizes human personalities into four distinct types: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. This concept was historically used to understand behaviors and emotional responses, influencing various forms of art, including dance. In ballet, these temperaments were often represented through character roles, helping to convey emotions and narratives in performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The four temperaments were originally described by Hippocrates in ancient Greece and have been used in various contexts over centuries to categorize human behavior.
2. In neoclassical ballet, choreographers like George Balanchine utilized the four temperaments to create works that embody these distinct personality types through movement and expression.
3. American ballet companies adopted the four temperaments as a framework for developing character roles in performances, enriching the storytelling aspect of dance.
4. Contemporary ballet has evolved the use of the four temperaments by blending them with modern themes, allowing for innovative interpretations of classic ideas about personality.
5. The portrayal of the four temperaments in ballet can enhance audience engagement by providing relatable emotional experiences through the dancers' interpretations of these personality types.

Review Questions

• How did George Balanchine incorporate the concept of the four temperaments into his neoclassical ballet works?
  • George Balanchine creatively used the four temperaments in his choreography to represent different personality types through distinct movement styles and character expressions. For instance, each temperament was depicted by specific dance movements that conveyed their inherent traits: sanguine characters danced with lively and playful movements, while melancholic ones portrayed more subdued and introspective gestures. This approach not only showcased the dancers' technical skills but also added depth to the narrative of his ballets.
• Discuss the influence of the four temperaments on the development of American ballet companies in terms of character representation.
  • American ballet companies embraced the concept of the four temperaments to enhance character representation in their performances. By categorizing characters into these temperamental types, companies were able to create more nuanced and relatable narratives that resonated with audiences. This practice not only enriched the storytelling aspect of ballet but also allowed choreographers to experiment with contrasting emotional expressions on stage, leading to innovative choreography that reflects complex human experiences.
• Evaluate how contemporary ballet has adapted the concept of the four temperaments to address modern themes and issues.
  • Contemporary ballet has reinterpreted the four temperaments by merging them with modern themes such as mental health, identity, and social issues. Choreographers now use these classical personality types as a foundation to explore deeper emotional narratives and challenges faced by today's society. This adaptation allows for a more relevant portrayal of human behavior, encouraging audiences to connect with the dancers on multiple levels while maintaining the artistic integrity of the original concept.

Related terms

Sanguine: A temperament characterized by sociability, enthusiasm, and a lively disposition, often associated with cheerfulness and optimism.

Choleric: A temperament marked by ambition, leadership qualities, and a passionate nature, often leading to a strong-willed personality.

Melancholic: A temperament associated with deep thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and a tendency toward introspection and sadness.