Predicting success in the performing arts: Ballet and music

Besides innate dancing or musical predispositions, other factors contributing to success in these highly competitive domains are important to investigate. The present study examined the role of personality and intelligence in ballet and musical school performance. Data were obtained from 155 high school ballet (n = 75) and music (n = 80) students in Serbia (75% females, mean age = 16.12, SD = 1.14). Personality traits were assessed with the Big Five Inventory, and intelligence was assessed with the Cybernetic Intelligence Tests Battery, which measures perceptual, verbal, and spatial abilities. A hierarchical multiple regression was computed to investigate if ballet or musical success could be predicted by personality traits and intelligence. Personality traits and intelligence explained 26% of the variance in ballet success and 35% of the variance in musical success. Conscientiousness and general intelligence predicted both ballet and musical success. Low neuroticism and perceptual abilities contributed significantly to the prediction of a successful musical performance, whereas spatial skills had an important role in successful ballet achievement. This study adds to the understanding of the role of personality and intelligence in performing arts efficacy.