“It’s like a growth story”: Career development of principals in the Finnish dance education institutes

The purpose of this qualitative research was to analyze the career paths of principals working in dance education institutes and to increase understanding of the different careers of the managers and principals working in arts organizations. Very few studies have explored principals’ career paths in art schools in Finland or abroad. The following research questions were answered: (1) What are the pertinent characteristics of the careers of Finnish principals of dance education institutions? and (2) What factors advance their careers? A total of 25 principals from across Finland participated in this narrative research study. The thematic findings of career choice and opportunities, meaningful career experiences, and three types of career narratives emerged from the analysis. These findings provide new viewpoints on and understanding of educational leadership in the field of art education.