Assessing Aesthetics, Technique, and Expression in Wushu Performance

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of aesthetic features, Wushu skills, and expressive components on the performance of Wushu through quantitative methodologies with 105 coaches and 360 students. The findings suggest that coaches routinely provide greater performance ratings than students, especially in areas such as strength, power, flexibility, agility, and costume design. This highlights the significance of visual attractiveness and physical abilities. Similarly, instructors assigned higher ratings to technical elements such as postures, hand movements, kicks, movement patterns, aerial maneuvers, tumbles and throws, joint manipulation and control, and weapon skills, indicating their discerning viewpoint and elevated standards. Coaches gave greater ratings to expressive components such as facial expressions, body language, emotional depth, character depiction, musical interpretation, narrative framework, and personal interpretation. This highlights the significance of these factors in captivating the audience. The evaluations conducted by students and coaches revealed significant disparities in their perceptions of the impact of aesthetic features and Wushu methods, underscoring the need for a uniform evaluation approach. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicate that strength and power, flexibility and agility, and costume design and presentation substantially influence the appraisal of Wushu skills. Additionally, facial expressions and character depiction are also shown to be important factors. The research suggests implementing a complete Wushu training program that prioritizes improving technical competence, strengthening physical prowess, raising aesthetic components, encouraging holistic growth, and reaching competitive excellence.