Myers Briggs and Ballroom Dance

[spatten]

All this talk about stereotypes from the "why do women bother" topic got me thinking about personality types and how they correlate to Ballroom. I am curious if there is any trend in the ballroom dance community.

I tried to set up a poll so people could enter their type anonymously, but apparently 16 types is too many options for the polling software.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, and are interested maybe you can check out personalitypages or google for Myers Briggs. I can tell you I learned a lot about myself from these exercises.

For the record, I am an ENFP - and I have met several xNFP's dancing.

Thanks,
Scott

[SDsalsaguy]

Heya Scott, I've done the test several times over the years and, most often, i show up as an INFJ...

[pygmalion]

ENTJ

[tj]

ENTJ

I'm an ENTJ, too. (How ironic that my pseudonym is contained in my personality type!)

[SDsalsaguy]

Ironic? Maybe not... :wink:

[chachagirlie]

...ISTJ

and yes, I'm a technician in a partnership...rather than the sizzle. :)

[Adwiz]

I usually show up as an ENTJ

As an aside, I would think that competitive dancers would tend to share some similarities in a Myers-Briggs because of their desire to excel and their comfort as performers. Those who just enjoy dancing for the social aspect of it might not share any characteristics. Thoughts?

[pygmalion]

There are a heck of a lot of ENTJ's in this thread. Hmm.

[Jack]

ENTJ here *

[Warren J. Dew]

I used to be an INTJ, but some time around ten years ago I changed to an ENTJ. So if there's a correlation, it might not be "who dances" but "what dance makes you".

Then again, it might be "who posts on bulletin boards".

[Jack]

At work we have to take these tests every so often, but on myers briggs time & time again it's ENTJ *LOL*

[Larinda McRaven]

ENTP

[Chris Stratton]

INTP... I'm actually amazed the label sort of fits, given how many of the test questions I feel I could answer either way on any given day.

[Genesius Redux]

ENFP (Extroverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving). My specific profile:

*The Champion Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in accomplishing their aims, and informative and extraverted when relating with others. For Champions, nothing occurs which does not have some deep ethical significance, and this, coupled with their uncanny sense of the motivations of others, gives them a talent for seeing life as an exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil. This type is found in only about 3 percent of the general population, but they have great influence because of their extraordinary impact on others. Champions are inclined to go everywhere and look into everything that has to do with the advance of good and the retreat of evil in the world. They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives. And then they are eager to relate the stories they've uncovered, hoping to disclose the "truth" of people and issues, and to advocate causes. This strong drive to unveil current events can make them tireless in conversing with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out.

*Champions consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life, although they can never quite shake the feeling that a part of themselves is split off, uninvolved in the experience. Thus, while they strive for emotional congruency, they often see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings, which Champions possess in a wide range and variety. In the same vein, Champions strive toward a kind of spontaneous personal authenticity, and this intention always to "be themselves" is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who find it quite attractive. All too often, however, Champions fall short in their efforts to be authentic, and they tend to heap coals of fire on themselves, berating themselves for the slightest self-conscious role-playing.

Or:

Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving

by Marina Margaret Heiss

Profile: ENFP
Revision: 2.4
Date of Revision: 20 Jul 03

------------------------------------------------------------------------




[The following comes partially from the archetype, but mostly from my own dealings with ENFPs.]

General: ENFPs are both "idea"-people and "people"-people, who see everyone and everything as part of an often bizarre cosmic whole. They want to both help (at least, their own definition of "help") and be liked and admired by other people, on bo th an individual and a humanitarian level. They are interested in new ideas on principle, but ultimately discard most of them for one reason or another.

Social/Personal Relationships: ENFPs have a great deal of zany charm, which can ingratiate them to the more stodgy types in spite of their unconventionality. They are outgoing, fun, and genuinely like people. As SOs/mates they are warm, affectionate (l ots of PDA), and disconcertingly spontaneous. However, attention span in relationships can be short; ENFPs are easily intrigued and distracted by new friends and acquaintances, forgetting about the older ones for long stretches at a time. Less mature E NFPs may need to feel they are the center of attention all the time, to reassure them that everyone thinks they're a wonderful and fascinating person.

ENFPs often have strong, if unconvential, convictions on various issues related to their Cosmic View. They usually try to use their social skills and contacts to persuade people gently of the rightness of these views; his sometimes results in their negle cting their nearest and dearest while flitting around trying to save the world.
Work Environment: ENFPs are pleasant, easygoing, and usually fun to work with. They come up with great ideas, and are a major asset in brainstorming sessions. Followthrough tends to be a problem, however; they tend to get bored quickly, especially if a newer, more interesting project comes along. They also tend to be procrastinators, both about meeting hard deadlines and about performing any small, uninteresting tasks that they've been assigned. ENFPs are at their most useful when working in a group w ith a J or two to take up the slack.

ENFPs hate bureaucracy, both in principle and in practice; they will always make a point of launching one of their crusades against some aspect of it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------



Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving

by Joe Butt

ENFPs are friendly folks. Most are really enjoyable people. Some of the most soft-hearted people are ENFPs.

ENFPs have what some call a "silly switch." They can be intellectual, serious, all business for a while, but whenever they get the chance, they flip that switch and become CAPTAIN WILDCHILD, the scourge of the swimming pool, ticklers par excellence. Som etimes they may even appear intoxicated when the "switch" is flipped.

One study has shown that ENFPs are significantly overrepresented in psychodrama. Most have a natural propensity for role-playing and acting.

ENFPs like to tell funny stories, especially about their friends. This penchant may be why many are attracted to journalism. I kid one of my ENFP friends that if I want the sixth fleet to know something, I'll just tell him.

ENFPs are global learners. Close enough is satisfactory to the ENFP, which may unnerve more precise thinking types, especially with such things as piano practice ("three quarter notes or four ... what's the difference?") Amazingly, some ENFPs are adept at exacting disciplines such as mathematics.

Friends are what life is about to ENFPs, moreso even than the other NFs. They hold up their end of the relationship, sometimes being victimized by less caring individuals. ENFPs are energized by being around people. Some have real difficulty being alone , especially on a regular basis.

One ENFP colleague, a social worker, had such tremendous interpersonal skills that she put her interviewers at ease during her own job interview. She had the ability to make strangers feel like old friends.

ENFPs sometimes can be blindsided by their secondary Feeling function. Hasty decisions based on deeply felt values may boil over with unpredictable results. More than one ENFP has abruptly quit a job in such a moment.

Functional Analysis

Extraverted iNtuition

The physical world, both geos and kosmos, is the ENFP's primary source of information. Rather than sensing things as they are, dominant intuition is sensitive to things as they might be. These extraverted intuitives are most adept with patterns and connections. Their natural inclination is toward relationships, especially among people or living things.

Intuition leans heavily on feeling for meaning and focus. Its best patterns reflect the interesting points of people, giving rise to caricatures of manner, speech and expression.

Introverted Feeling

Auxiliary feeling is nonverbally implied more often than it is openly expressed. When expressed, this logic has an aura of romance and purity that may seem out of place in this flawed, imperfect world. In its own defense, feeling judgement frequently and fleetly gives way to humor. ENFPs who publicize their feelings too often may put off some of the crowd of friends they naturally attract.

Extraverted Thinking

Thinking, the process which runs to impersonal conclusions, holds the extraverted tertiary position. Used on an occasional basis, ENFPs may benefit greatly from this ability. Less mature and lacking the polish of higher order functions, Thinking is not well suited to be used as a prominent function. As with other FP types, the ENFP unwary of Thinking's limitations may find themselves most positively mistaken.

Introverted Sensing

Sensing, the least discernible ENFP function, resides in the inner world where reality is reduced to symbols and icons--ideas representing essences of external realities. Under the influence of the ever-present intuition, the ENFP's sensory perceptions are in danger of being replaced by hypothetical data consistent with pattern and paradigm. When it is protected and nourished, introverted sensing provides information about the fixed. From such firm anchoring ENFPs are best equipped to launch into thousands of plausibilities and curiosities yet to be imagined.

Perhaps the combination of introverted Feeling and childlike introverted Sensing is responsible for the silent pull of ENFPs to the wishes of parents, authority figures and friends. Or perhaps it's the predominance of indecisive intuition in combination with the ambiguity of secondary Fi and tertiary Te that induces these kind souls to capitulate even life-affecting decisions. Whatever the dynamic, ENFPs are strongly influenced by the opinions of their friends.

Famous ENFPs:

Franz Joseph Haydn, composer Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
Will Rogers, humorist
Buster Keaton
Theodor "Dr." Seuss Geisel, children's author (The Cat in the Hat)
Mickey Rooney, actor
James Dobson, "Focus on the Family"
Andy Rooney, television news commentator
Carol Burnett, comedian
Paul Harvey, radio announcer
Elizabeth Montgomery, actor (Bewitched)
Bill Cosby, comedian, actor (Ghost Dad)
Dom Delouise, actor
Dave Thomas, owner of Wendy's hamburger chain
Lewis Grizzard, newspaper columnist
I. King Jordan, president of Gallaudet University
Martin Short, actor-comedian
Meg Ryan, actor (When Harry Met Sally)
Robin Williams, actor, comedian (Dead Poet's Society, Mrs. Doubtfire)
Sandra Bullock, actor (Speed, While You Were Sleeping)
Robert Downey (Heart and Souls)
Alicia Silverstone (Clueless)
Sinbad
Andy Kaufman

Fictional:
Dr. Doug Ross (ER)
Balkie (Perfect Strangers)
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Steve Irkle

[tsb]

ENTJ

I'm an ENTJ, too. (How ironic that my pseudonym is contained in my personality type!)

also ENTJ

[tsb]

I used to be an INTJ, but some time around ten years ago I changed to an ENTJ.

i would have considered myself INTJ about 10 years ago. i was in IT & could spend 16 hours in front of a terminal while the ho-ho & ding-dong wrappers piled up around me. but someone noted that when i was asked about work my response would invariably be about my co-workers & what was going in their lives. my understanding is that a true extrovert recharges or gains energy from being around people, whereas introverts recharge through solitude. there's another topic around here that went into that for a bit. i'm clearly an extrovert - just capable of focusing my attention for very long periods of time!

[dragon3085]

I jump between INTP and ENTP- I guess it depends on the mood i'm in when I take the test.

[cl5814]

INTJ

[spatten]

Wow,

Ok here is a rundown so far, if I counted correctly.

INTP - 2
ENTP - 1
ENTJ - 8
ISTJ - 1
INFJ - 1
ENFP - 2

I am definately intrigued by the large number of ENTJ's. Warren was disntinctly correct, I may just be polling the number of dancers who post on boards - but might still shed some light.

It would be easy to point out the lack of Sensing (sorry Chachagirlie) characteritics on the board - which frankly suprises me. My recollection was that Sensing people tended to feel more comfortable in their bodies and reacted more naturally in the physical world. Perhaps the sensing types are in Ballet and the lead/follow nature of ballroom demands a strong intuition.

For those who posted their type, THanks - Scott

PS - I counted Dragon3085 as INTP just to simplify the count.

[Genesius Redux]

It would be easy to point out the lack of Sensing (sorry Chachagirlie) characteritics on the board - which frankly suprises me. My recollection was that Sensing people tended to feel more comfortable in their bodies and reacted more naturally in the physical world. Perhaps the sesning types are in Ballet and the lead/follow nature of ballroom demands a strong intuition. In fact a large number of the responders showed Extraverted Intuition (ENxx).

"Sensing" can be misleading if you take it out of context. Its polarity is intuition, suggesting a difference in the way information is received. As I understand it, the "sensing" individual tends to trust more to information received from the so-called outside world, whereas the intuitive person supposedly pays more attention to the "interior" world. It's the difference between a scientific and an artistic temperment. If anything, the intuitive person would be more comfortable in his/her body--the sensing person tends to be hard-headed, rationalistic, skeptical. The "let's wait and see" or the "show me the money" types.

[spatten]

GR,

I agree with you, about how S vs N receives information. However, I think the impact of that quality is different than you suggest. I don't want to take this thread into a long rehash of the differences, there are better boards for doing that. But, quickly...

Imagine if you will the guy/gal walking around with his head in the clouds, bumping into something big right in their path. That is a generalization of a strong intuitive. The tennis player who sees a lob coming at him or her when they are at the net and his/her body responds so naturally to the stimulus that they are immeadiately in a balanced position to slam the ball right back at the opponent is probably a strong Sensing type. That is what I meant by being comfortable in their body- perhaps I should say their body is comfortable in the outside world and reacts well with it.

Luckily I own Myers-Briggs works on the subject. If I get some time I will relook at the types and see if I can support a better theory of why iNtutives are dominating. Of course it could just be random at this point.

Scott

[pygmalion]

I've often wondered about that, spatten. Meaning, how random answers on this board really are. They aren't, are they? I mean, the people polled have computer access and are comfortable with technology, have disposable time, share a common interest (in this case, dance), and actually post rather than lurk. Hmm. That seems to be describing a very specific population.

[spatten]

Jenn,

You are right - we are definately a specific section of the population. Probably the most exlcusive factor being our interest in ballroom.
To take your thought one step further - have you ever noticed how much fun ballrom dancers are? It is my distinct impression that the large majority of ballroom dancers really are positive fun people.
Though I have known a few stoic, even disagreeable, people in my time they never seem to hang around too long.

Scott

[tj]

Imagine if you will the guy/gal walking around with his head in the clouds, bumping into something big right in their path. That is a generalization of a strong intuitive.

So *that* explains all the guys that lead their partner right into you and your partner!

:wink:

(Nice explanation, btw)

[Genesius Redux]

Imagine if you will the guy/gal walking around with his head in the clouds, bumping into something big right in their path. That is a generalization of a strong intuitive.

So *that* explains all the guys that lead their partner right into you and your partner!

:wink:

(Nice explanation, btw)

Yeah, well--see what you're saying, but I don't think that's what the test reveals. It's a psychological profile--doesn't say anything about physical being in the world. (How can you on a written test?)

Intuition psychologically suggests a capacity to internalize the world, the responses of other people to various issues. Sensing suggests a detached wait and see attitude, which may appear more in a reluctance to act than action itself.

The honed athlete is strongly intuitive, as is the champion chess player, because she anticipates and responds to actions before those actions have even unfolded. Intuitive does not suggest a withdrawal from the world in the way your example describes--rather it suggests a capacity to remake the world in one's own image. The sensing individual has almost no impact on the world--does not imprint it with her stamp.

As Joe Butt writes in his interpretation:

Extraverted iNtuition

The physical world, both geos and kosmos, is the ENFP's primary source of information. Rather than sensing things as they are, dominant intuition is sensitive to things as they might be. These extraverted intuitives are most adept with patterns and connections. Their natural inclination is toward relationships, especially among people or living things.

The extroverted quality, in other words, is what determines the connection with the world, not the intuitive/sensing dichotomy.

Butt also writes:

Introverted Sensing

Sensing, the least discernible ENFP function, resides in the inner world where reality is reduced to symbols and icons--ideas representing essences of external realities. Under the influence of the ever-present intuition, the ENFP's sensory perceptions are in danger of being replaced by hypothetical data consistent with pattern and paradigm. When it is protected and nourished, introverted sensing provides information about the fixed. From such firm anchoring ENFPs are best equipped to launch into thousands of plausibilities and curiosities yet to be imagined.

The danger of what Butt here calls introverted sensing, in other words, is not in running into things while your head is in the clouds. It's in not being prepared for paradigm-shifting eventualities. But in sport, or in dance, where there are definite rules and expectations based on the steps one takes and the lead one offers, the introverted senser--the intuitive--is in her element.

Again, in the personality profile, these qualities do not exist in isolation; the example of the person with head in the clouds and not aware of the world around him is an example of an Introverted Intuitive.

So it's not surprising to me at all that estroverted intuition is so strongly represented among dancers. That's exactly the quality you need to lead and follow.

[DanceMentor]

I was tested in college as being an INFP, but I believe dancing has turned me into an ENFP

[tj]

Imagine if you will the guy/gal walking around with his head in the clouds, bumping into something big right in their path. That is a generalization of a strong intuitive.

So *that* explains all the guys that lead their partner right into you and your partner!

:wink:

(Nice explanation, btw)

Yeah, well--see what you're saying, but I don't think that's what the test reveals. It's a psychological profile--doesn't say anything about physical being in the world. (How can you on a written test?)

I was merely joking...

[pygmalion]

I was tested in college as being an INFP, but I believe dancing has turned me into an ENFP

Hmm. What's with the I to E conversion?

[spatten]

Tj,

I thought your joke was quite funny. One of the few times I have laughed out loud in my cubicle - gonna have to watch myself if I continue to read this board.

GR,

First let me apologize for continuing to disagree with you. I am new to this board and don't won't to get started on the wrong foot. But if you don't mind a gentle disagreement, read on. Otherwise ignore the rest of my post.

Admittedly it has been awhile since I poured into this stuff. And to really respond well, I would need to go back to the source material. Hopefully to night I can get a chance and make a suppported post.

I really enjoy this stuff, so even if we continue to disagree it is interesting to me to see your interpreation of type.

It's a psychological profile--doesn't say anything about physical being in the world.

I strongly disagree that psycholigcal profiles don't say anything about the physical world. Check out socionics.com if you get a chance - it does a wonderful job of descirbing traits common to each type many of them describing physical actions/traits.


Sensing suggests a detached wait and see attitude, which may appear more in a reluctance to act than action itself.

I also disagree with this statement. In fact the Sensors ( more Extro Sensing, than Intra Sensing) are people of action, as opposed to the archetypal Hamlets (most classify as INTJ) who are famously slow to act.

A quick google search for "Athletes, Myers Briggs" gave me this quote :

"Athletes are more likely to be sensors than intuitives, though athletes who are intuitives perform as well as sensors."

I have also taken the following from socionics, to post for the others reading who may want a better idea of what we are discussing.

Sensing types

see everyone and sense everything
live in the here and now
quickly adapt to any situation
like pleasures based on physical sensation
are practical and active
are realistic and self-confident

Intuitive types
are mostly in the past or in the future
worry about the future more than the present
are interested in everything new and unusual
do not like routine
are attracted more to the theory than the practice
often have doubts

I do agree with your following statement. (finally! :)

So it's not surprising to me at all that estroverted intuition is so strongly represented among dancers. That's exactly the quality you need to lead and follow.

You may have hit on something important here...

The extroverted quality, in other words, is what determines the connection with the world, not the intuitive/sensing dichotomy

Perhaps, extraveted sensing or extraverted intuition would be beneficial for a dancer.

[tj]

Tj,

I thought your joke was quite funny. One of the few times I have laughed out loud in my cubicle - gonna have to watch myself if I continue to read this board.

:wink:

Thanks, and welcome.

[LauraB]

I test as either an INFP or INTP.

[chachagirlie]

I think it may be prudent to keep in mind that all of the personality traits must me taken together as a whole to determine a personality "type".

Simply being an E(xtrovert) or I(ntrovert) does not tell the whole picture. All of the traits need to be taken as a whole.

Additionally, the MB personality types are "generally true". A person who knows themselves well and answers the questions truthfully will fit most of the characteristics associated with a type, but may have exceptions.

I'm sure fine athletes are found in every personality category. It's not the athletic ability being evaluated with MB. It is the method in which we pursue our goals.

A more interesting question may be which personality types are best at leading, following, and choreography...and which types combine well in partnership.

[Warren J. Dew]

my understanding is that a true extrovert recharges or gains energy from being around people, whereas introverts recharge through solitude
Right. In my case, I actually used to find crowds draining and recuperated psychologically from solitude. Now I find most crowds invigorating, and solitude less rewarding than it used to be.

[Genesius Redux]

GR,

First let me apologize for continuing to disagree with you. I am new to this board and don't won't to get started on the wrong foot. But if you don't mind a gentle disagreement, read on. Otherwise ignore the rest of my post.

:lol: If I minded when people disagree with me, I'd never write anything at all. :lol:

Anyway, I think the dichotomy between sensing and intuiting is a bit more subtle than you allow. Intuitive types don't "prefer" theory over practice; they insist that the world can be perfected. And one of the reasons you run into so many intuitive types online is that the people who are most likely to post online are intuitive types--people with strong ideas and extroverted enough to want to share their ideas with others. That is quite practical. And as ChaChaGirlie points out once more, the test measures personality--I didn't say the test had nothing to do with the physical world, I said it had nothing to say about our physical being in the world, our motor skills and our likelihood to notice what is physically unfolding around us. An Introverted Intuitive is just as likely as an Extroverted Sensor to notice that a passing car is splashing his new slacks with muddy water. The difference is that the ES is going to make a mental note to stand further back next time and share the story with all his friends, whereas the IN will likely go home and write a letter to city officials advising them to fix the drainage problems on the streets.

But good luck anyway finding all those balletic S types. :lol:

tj--I know you were joking. But those of us who are more intuitive quite understand that you J types are never "merely" joking. :wink:

[Kitty]

I used to be an INTJ, but some time around ten years ago I changed to an ENTJ. So if there's a correlation, it might not be "who dances" but "what dance makes you".

Definitely!

Everyone says my boyfriend has changed dramatically - he was sooo shy back then...

I changed too... I think... although I always was quite an E...

[tj]

tj--I know you were joking. But those of us who are more intuitive quite understand that you J types are never "merely" joking. :wink:

Lol!

Well, I was serious about how too many dancers can't keep themselves under control.

(and even though I'm a "J type", I'm also an Intuitive "N" type, too...)

[Genesius Redux]

tj--I know you were joking. But those of us who are more intuitive quite understand that you J types are never "merely" joking. :wink:

Lol!

Well, I was serious about how too many dancers can't keep themselves under control.

(and even though I'm a "J type", I'm also an Intuitive "N" type, too...)

Maybe I should have said we perceptive types perceive aw whatever....

It's when "J" meets "S" in an introverted way that you get the hanging judge, though....

[spatten]

I would wager those who can't break out of their routines, and end up throwing their partners into you are likely J types. Either that or they are
NP types that think they don't need lessons.

As an aside, I grew up a "P - with a strong preference" in an entirely "J" type family. That makes for some interesting days and really drives home the difference between the two.

Scott

[Warren J. Dew]

I would wager those who can't break out of their routines, and end up throwing their partners into you are likely J types. Either that or they are
NP types that think they don't need lessons.
Interesting. I would have guessed that they were xSxP types, accepting the world and their routines as they are rather than trying to remake them.

But more likely, they just have coaches that teach routines and don't teach lead & follow & floorcraft.

And don't forget, how well the lady follows affects how well the gent can maneuver. I suspect that at least some of the more egregious cases involve ladies that have memorized the routine themselves, and insist that their partners stick to it.

[spatten]

I guess in the end we all crash occasionaly. I wonder what strange part of my personality type leads me to actually enjoy needling in and out of the traffic. I have to admit I look at the dance floor kinda like an game I used to have on my Atari called Frogger. The best part was when you were going the fastest and there were way too many cars on the floor.
Anybody else experience, or willing to fess up to this psychosis?

Interesting. I would have guessed that they were xSxP types, accepting the world and their routines as they are rather than trying to remake them

I guess I just like to blame the J types for everything. :) Actually here is a quote from a website called socionics.com that might explain my suggestion. It almost seems as if they were speaking about dance ---


Judging types usually plan their actions beforehand and try to follow this plan. They tend to choose the shortest distance to the target moving along in a direct line. In a stable atmosphere this behaviour is optimal because it allows Judging types to calculate the most optimal life. However, a changing situation causes Judging types trouble with fulfilling their plans.


It may seem that Perceiving types have no definite aims or goals to achieve in comparison with Judging types. This is because irrational behaviour is like a freehand line. Perceiving types flow with changes. It seems as if they feel oncoming change long before Judging types can even see it. As a result they avoid obstacles in their way with virtuosity.

[SDsalsaguy]

my understanding is that a true extrovert recharges or gains energy from being around people, whereas introverts recharge through solitude
This is exactly right tsb, the I/E axis has nothing to do with comfort, competence, or even enjoyment in social situations but, rather, with what one finds psychologically recharging. An over-simplified version of this might ask "if life's getting a bit heavy do you prefer to surround yourself with social situations, like going out to a party, or take some more quiet time either to think by yourself or talk with a close friend?" Also keep in mind that in any given situation anyone might have any response... such tests are about tendencies, not absolutes.

[pygmalion]

Which is why the psychologists had so much trouble categorizing me. I recharge from both solitude and socializing.

[SDsalsaguy]

... which is exactly what the x designation is for Jenn, because there are people with relatively balanced tendencies. Again, the key to understanding the MB is to realize that each axis is exactly that, an axis, not a binary variable. Someone who is one answer or so over to the I "side", for instance, is still probbly more simillar in this regard to someone one answer over to the E side than they would be with someone 10+ answers over to the I side.

[pygmalion]

That's good to know, SD. My tendencies aren't so much balanced as they are situational. But either way, I don't fully identify with I OR E.

[SDsalsaguy]

That's good to know, SD.
My pleasure Jenn... I prety much grew up with this stuff as dinner table talk... :shock: :lol:

My tendencies aren't so much balanced as they are situational.
This is actually what I meant... balanced simply in that there wasn't a dominant modality across situational variability. Sorry that I wasn't more clear... :oops:

But either way, I don't fully identify with I OR E.
Actually, few but the most extreme (on any scale) would fully identify with any variable, the point being that this is just their dominant tendency. Keep in mind that the MB is based out of Jungian psychology so the shadow type (the one opposite your dominant tendencies) is also real and significant as well.

[pygmalion]

LOL. I always liked Jung better than Freud. Much more applicable to real life, I've always thought. :wink: :D

[tsb]

my understanding is that a true extrovert recharges or gains energy from being around people, whereas introverts recharge through solitude
Right. In my case, I actually used to find crowds draining and recuperated psychologically from solitude. Now I find most crowds invigorating, and solitude less rewarding than it used to be.

that seems like such a radical change. i guess i never thought it possible before.

[spatten]

I have gone from testing ENTP to ENFP over the past 5 years. From a logical person, when I got my damn engineering degree - to a highly emotionlly and completly illogical though still rational person.

Isn't it amazing how we can change?


Actually, few but the most extreme (on any scale) would fully identify with any variable

Funny, but when I first read the descrption of ENFP to my family- they were laughing so hard they were in tears. It described me almost exactly(well, all except the part about being phenomenal with women :))

Truth be told, I do pin the needle on each E,N, and P.

[dancingdragon]

Am I right in thinking I"m the first ESTJ to come forward on this thread? I'm ESTJ through and through, as is my Dad and we clash all the time. We're busy trying to occupy the same space. My Mum is INFP, polar opposite to both of us and is the peacemaker. She fills in the spaces where both Dad and I "aren't" and vice versa.

[Chiron]

The "What's Your Sign" thread got me thinking about personalities of dancers. So I thought this INTJ would revive an old Myers-Briggs thread.

[SDsalsaguy]

Most recently I've tested as an eNFJ (vs. my previous long standing INFJ status).

[Mostly Ballroom]

You switched from introvert to extrovert? Have you been working on yourself or something? This just seems pretty fundamental. Do you believe it? Was it a full blown test or a 30 question online quiz?

[SDsalsaguy]

You switched from introvert to extrovert? Have you been working on yourself or something? This just seems pretty fundamental. Do you believe it? Was it a full blown test or a 30 question online quiz?
I was a moderate I, and now test as a fractional e (i.e. not an E). The I/E continuum doesn't strike me as any more fundamental than any of the other variables. I simply think that the terms "introvert" and extrovert" are more common in everyday pop-psychology vs. as used/intended by the Jungian-based MB typology.

As for my own shift, yes, I believe it. I'm not a strong E by any stretch of the imagination, but I feel that the eNFJ is probably a more accurate assessment of me as I am today than the INFJ of previous years.

[fascination]

Heya Scott, I've done the test several times over the years and, most often, i show up as an INFJ...
lol...me tooooooo;)

[SDsalsaguy]

lol...me tooooooo;)
Why am I not surprised? ;)

[fascination]

lol...and I gotta say I am sorta wondering about my "I" as well...I took the test in 2001...I wonder if I should do it over

[Chiron]

I know my Myers-Briggs personality has changed over time. Since I've been in grad school I've move from slightly sensing to moderate on the intuition side. I asked my teaching professor about it and she suggested that a persons evironment can effect how their personality is expressed. I've also noticed than I'm much closer to E than I used to be. I don't know if dancing is the reason for that or not. It could be that a person's personality can change, like the way a person's thought process does, but I'd say ask someone in psychology instead of engineering.

[Peaches]

I (54%), S (64%), T (50%), J (68%).

What a load of crap. What the heck kinds of questions are those?!?! Don't give me two options presented as an either/or, when they aren't valid either/or scenarios! And what is this "I'm really in between" crap?!?! I'm not "in between,"...it genuinely depends on the situation.

I prefer to get my work/exercise done in a library/gym, or I think it's a great place to socialize?!?! I don't want to go to either a library or a gym, and have actively structured my life to avoid both. While there, I try to shirk whatever it is that I'm supposed to be doing, and jump at the chance to "socialize" just to avoid the work (even though I don't want to socialize with anyone, b/c anyone that I do want to socialize with certainly isn't at the library or the gym). Where's that answer???

[waltzgirl]

Well, from what I know of you online, seems to me that result is pretty accurate. Your not liking the questions fits with the I, T, and J.

[chachachacat]

I'm an ENFP, along with Spatten and Genisius Redux, who seem to be, sadly, no longer among us...:(

[danceronice]

ESTJ, from a previous ISTJ. So there're at least two people who've shifted I to E here.

[fascination]

I (54%), S (64%), T (50%), J (68%).

What a load of crap. What the heck kinds of questions are those?!?! Don't give me two options presented as an either/or, when they aren't valid either/or scenarios! And what is this "I'm really in between" crap?!?! I'm not "in between,"...it genuinely depends on the situation.

I prefer to get my work/exercise done in a library/gym, or I think it's a great place to socialize?!?! I don't want to go to either a library or a gym, and have actively structured my life to avoid both. While there, I try to shirk whatever it is that I'm supposed to be doing, and jump at the chance to "socialize" just to avoid the work (even though I don't want to socialize with anyone, b/c anyone that I do want to socialize with certainly isn't at the library or the gym). Where's that answer???
deep breath...;)

[elisedance]

ENFP. so there!

[latingal]

INTJ

I took the full Meyer Briggs test for a workshop at work.

[tsb]

ESTJ, from a previous ISTJ. So there're at least two people who've shifted I to E here.

people's preferences can change. but it's not digital, zero vs. one. it could be less than a 5% shift along the axis, assuming that the subject in question was somewhere in the 45-55% range to begin with.

external experiences can also have an impact. an extreme example might involve sexual abuse - the clinical term would be sexualization of intimacy - the point is that one victim's response could be to button up and adopt a fortress mentality about life in general, while another might act like a nympho - neither response being a true reflection of the pre-experience personality.

obviously, most of us don't have that extreme a history. still, the dance community can be a healing place for those who've been influenced by certain things in our pasts.

-------------
it would be interesting to investigate whether there's a correlation of apparent personality types and their choices vs. their views towards competition, social dancing, etc.

i would guess that introverts would *tend* to have regular partners and would prefer to dance with a small closed set of close friends, etc. - although i could see how this could be overridden by any sort of sense of social obligation.

[fascination]

oh...and P....you do like to socialize with the well-read nerdly types....and AT is your physical outlet...and you do socialize with that community...so I would say that the spirit of the observation is most assuredly true

[Peaches]

Well, from what I know of you online, seems to me that result is pretty accurate. Your not liking the questions fits with the I, T, and J.Hmph.

oh...and P....you do like to socialize with the well-read nerdly types....and AT is your physical outlet...and you do socialize with that community...so I would say that the spirit of the observation is most assuredly true Hmph! What's your point?!?! ;-)

OK, fine. So maybe it's accurate.

(Actually, in looking up other information about it, and in comparing myself to others, it probably is pretty accurate. The one place where I'd be on the fence is the J/P.)

Edit to add: I still don't like the questions asked in the test I found, though. Gym or library...the only reason I'd be in either one is b/c I got lost and stopped to ask for directions.

[fascination]

rolls eyes....

[Peaches]

Hey, at least I'll stop and ask directions.

[samina]

INTJ last i took it

[Some Day]

INTJ last i took it


I'm an INTJ, too....shifted from ISTJ a couple of years ago, though. My S/N has always been borderline.

[caityrosey]

INFJ when I took it a few months ago.

I'll check again in a few years and see if it still comes out that way. Wouldn't want to take it again while I still remember the questions--too much testing bias :)

[Angelo]

P I T A

[NielsenE]

INFP -- but a very, very weak N last time I tested. (Several years ago). My I score has been decrease with time too, wouldn't be surprised if I had crossed over to a weak E. The FP nature always surprised people, given my science/engineering background, but it feels right ;)

[waltzgirl]

Hey, another INFP! We're a rare type!

[NielsenE]

When I tested I was told it was the second rarest type... I think the only type more rare was our compliment ESTJ....

[caityrosey]

This is the breakdown according to Wikipedia
U.S.A. Population Breakdown
ISTJ 11.6%
ISFJ 13.8%
INFJ 1.5%
INTJ 2.1%
ISTP 5.4%
ISFP8.8%
INFP 4.3%
INTP 3.3%
ESTP 4.3%
ESFP 8.5%
ENFP 8.1%
ENTP 3.2%
ESTJ 8.7%
ESFJ 12.3%
ENFJ 2.4%
ENTJ 1.8%

[fascination]

always knew I was in the vast minority....sigh

[caityrosey]

always knew I was in the vast minority....sigh

At once unique and misunderstood. :)

[jennyisdancing]

always knew I was in the vast minority....sigh

Me too fasc. I'm an ISTP. I never meet anyone else with my personality type. ISTP's are a weird combo of being introverted, analytical, and detail-oriented, but also are fun-loving, spontaneous and adventurous, and are able to be cool under pressure. The prototype ISTP is supposed to be a pilot, race car driver, or loner on a motorcycle. It's a wonder I can do partner dancing at all! :p

p.s. according to that description, I ought to be Chuck Yeager in a skirt, but actually I'm a girly-girl and not the least bit mechanical. That's unusual for an ISTP; the recommended careers for my personality are: engineer, computer programmer, mechanic, carpenter, forensic pathologist, and police detective. I'm a right-brained creative type and haven't the remotest interest or talent for any of those jobs. I've been successful in journalism, broadcasting and PR. What I have noticed is that I find useful qualities in my personality type for my career and I do that for dancing also. The key ISTP qualities for this seem to be: being action-oriented, spontaneous, and able to perform well under pressure. :)

[Mostly Ballroom]

How much do these tests cost? I'm thinking of changing careers and I was thinking of getting one of these? You who did them, did you find them useful?

[samina]

free online. google...

[fascination]

like most instruments, if you use them as a tool with some flaws, they can be very very useful in delegating responsibilities, claiming one's gifts, claiming one's limitations and understanding others...but like anything else people who want to llive by them as a rule... well...that's a bit loopy

[fascination]

Me too fasc. I'm an ISTP. I never meet anyone else with my personality type. ISTP's are a weird combo of being introverted, analytical, and detail-oriented, but also are fun-loving, spontaneous and adventurous, and are able to be cool under pressure. The prototype ISTP is supposed to be a pilot, race car driver, or loner on a motorcycle. It's a wonder I can do partner dancing at all! :p

p.s. according to that description, I ought to be Chuck Yeager in a skirt, but actually I'm a girly-girl and not the least bit mechanical. That's unusual for an ISTP; the recommended careers for my personality are: engineer, computer programmer, mechanic, carpenter, forensic pathologist, and police detective. I'm a right-brained creative type and haven't the remotest interest or talent for any of those jobs. I've been successful in journalism, broadcasting and PR. What I have noticed is that I find useful qualities in my personality type for my career and I do that for dancing also. The key ISTP qualities for this seem to be: being action-oriented, spontaneous, and able to perform well under pressure. :)
well that sounds cool...to be unique even among a category that you seem to fall into......celebrate yourself....

[jennyisdancing]

well that sounds cool...to be unique even among a category that you seem to fall into......celebrate yourself....

Same to you! :cheers:

p.s. to Mostly Ballroom: personality types are fun to learn about, but the important thing is not to be limited by them. Knowing your type helps you know your strengths and weaknesses, but shouldn't stop you from pursuing what you really love. According to my test, I should own a tool belt and a motorcycle but instead, I have a home filled with books and music, and a closet filled with dancing shoes! :D

[Mostly Ballroom]

I've done the 30 question things online but there are supposed to be big professional versions of these administered by a professional out there. Has anyone done something like this?

I finally decided I'm an INFP.

[elisedance]

Ta Da!!!!

[sorry, couldn't help myself. 'E', you know. And sensitive - hurt my own ears.. oops] its the :rocker: in me...

[fascination]

Same to you! :cheers:

p.s. to Mostly Ballroom: personality types are fun to learn about, but the important thing is not to be limited by them. Knowing your type helps you know your strengths and weaknesses, but shouldn't stop you from pursuing what you really love. According to my test, I should own a tool belt and a motorcycle but instead, I have a home filled with books and music, and a closet filled with dancing shoes! :D
yea the one consolation that I have is that my type really does nail my personality...it says that I should be in the people professions, ministry and arts...

[jennyisdancing]

yea the one consolation that I have is that my type really does nail my personality...it says that I should be in the people professions, ministry and arts...

well, the weird thing for me is that my type does nail my personality but not my interests or talents. Maybe this is because there are apparently very few females with my personality type. Meyers-Briggs doesn't account for gender differences very well in some cases.

[fascination]

true...my type has been labelled on the site I took it as "the warrior"...lol...meh that's life...dh had to ask me to open a bottle for him that he couldn't open just this evening...am sorta accustomed to that these days...if only I could get pro to let me lead all would be right in the world...he's like: do it on time and I will

[waltzgirl]

If you really get into the whole system (which I have not really), there are other aspects, like what your "shadow" is and that are some traits that you use to deal with the world that are not the same as your internal traits. It can get very complicated! But sometimes those complications can explain some of the ways the basic type you are may not account for all your personality.

Another aspect is that, as you develop through life, at certain points it is normal to begin to develop the non-type sides of your personality. That fits with my interest in dancing. I'm strongly an N and had no interest or aptitude for physical activities before dancing. But it is turning out to be a way to develop my unused S capabilities.

[waltzgirl]

Hmph.

Hmph! What's your point?!?! ;-)

OK, fine. So maybe it's accurate.

(Actually, in looking up other information about it, and in comparing myself to others, it probably is pretty accurate. The one place where I'd be on the fence is the J/P.)

Edit to add: I still don't like the questions asked in the test I found, though. Gym or library...the only reason I'd be in either one is b/c I got lost and stopped to ask for directions.

That is *so* I! The main difference between extroverts and introverts has nothing to do with social skills; it's about whether you give priority to external or internal experience. An E would take the questions on their own terms and, even if they never went to a gym or library, respond to the intent of the question.

Us I's prefer (or insist!) on the centrality of our own internal experience--and can get quite ticked off when external reality won't cooperate!

[fascination]

yep...same is true for the enneagram if anyone has taken it...I am an 8 on that btw...there are things called wings that explain variations and tendencies...and movements toward and away from one's center...all good tools not to be taken rigidly

[tanya_the_dancer]

I found one online version and I am an ISTJ, whatever that means.

[latingal]

I've done the 30 question things online but there are supposed to be big professional versions of these administered by a professional out there. Has anyone done something like this?

Yes, mine was done in a workshop for work. You were given your results, (with scores for each of the factors), detailed descriptions of the types, and descriptions of how each of the types relate with each other.

[Mostly Ballroom]

Did it help?

More importantly did it explain this wallflower thing you have going for you? :rolleyes:

[latingal]

Did it help?

More importantly did it explain this wallflower thing you have going for you? :rolleyes:

Well it pegged my inner world pretty good.

Did it help? Well by the time I took this workshop, I had already learned the crux of the types and how to work with them "intuitively" (*grin* - that's the "N" for you). A big part of my corporate job was building teams and meeting huge deadlines. So I had learned behaviors that run perhaps a bit counter to my nature - I became an extroverted introvert. At work most people do not guess me as an introvert. But really that is a learned behavior I use when necessary, and has a lot more to do with having to be efficient and good at my work.

But socially, nope it's wallflower city.

[Mostly Ballroom]

You know I got a book on careers and Myers Briggs types. If I am indeed INFP it says I need to be surrounded by affirming people. But I didn't like the jobs it suggested.

It says INFP's tend to be a bit of a rug mat. They accommodate very easily. This might fit my dancing style. Women like to dance with me but I adjust way too naturally to the followers. I'll tend to compromise my frame if I feel resistance in order to accommodate the follower. But I'm learning this is wrong. It takes concentration to maintain my frame under such circumstances. But it's the thing to do and the followers do prefer it. They have something to follow!

[latingal]

It says INFP's tend to be a bit of a rug mat. They accommodate very easily. This might fit my dancing style. Women like to dance with me but I adjust way too naturally to the followers. I'll tend to compromise my frame if I feel resistance in order to accommodate the follower. But I'm learning this is wrong. It takes concentration to maintain my frame under such circumstances.

Sounds like you're on your way to a few of those "learned behaviors" yourself, good for you!

[bjp22tango]

ISFP sums me up pretty well

[cindymoose]

Would love to hear from another ENFJ. I was unfamiliar with this model and took a simple online assessment just for kicks (or "developes", if you prefer). I found the description to be frighteningly accurate. I can't wait to learn more.

Can anyone give me a quick explanation of the numbers assigned to each section? Mine were 1%, 50%, 25%, and 44% respectively.

Searching the heart and mind of myself and others has always seemed a biological imperative for me; I seek, therefore I am...

I look forward to hearing more DF opinions on this MB business.

[ThisIsNotMe]

Well, I did one of the online tests and came out as ISFJ. I thought it was pretty accurate...scarily accurate. People do misjudge me because I'm quiet. I am far more open, at ease, and therefore, talkative around close friends and family. In fact, my close friends and family would describe me as a completely different person to any casual acquantances! I do appear stiff and cold to strangers (I try not to, I really do), and strangest of all, the job that they said would be one of the best for me (general practicioner, family dr etc) is actually where I'm already headed!

Lol, I'm the same personality type as Mother Teresa...
I quite liked this!

Edited to remove percieved attack on public figure

[cindymoose]

Our compliments to the chef!

[Easy]

I'm an INFP. I'm sure it's really inportant that you all know what I am since you don't know who I am ;)

[Lioness]

/pokes thread.

I was an INFP the last couple of times I've tested...

I'll go find a test and do it again, because the last time was over a year ago.

EDIT: INFJ, apparently.

That makes sense...

We took the test in psychology last year...it marked me as 100% introverted, and my teacher was convined I was intentionally biasing the results...it's not my fault all the questions pretty much asked "Would you rather read or party?" Um, duh.

[DanceGeek]

ISTJ for me. Its too bad there isn't a "D" for the last letter, then I could be the perfect standard dancer... Hah hah... :D

[GinaM]

ESTJ - not very rare in the general populace, but apparently rare in the ballroom world...?

[Ray Sison]

For myself, the test resulted in INFP...

One fun thing I read about the INFP type: "INFPs never seem to lose their sense of wonder. One might say they see life through rose-colored glasses. It's as though they live at the edge of a looking-glassworld where mundane objects come to life, where flora and fauna take on near-human qualities."

from http: // www. mypersonality. info/ personality-types /infp/

[laylamah]

ENFP~:bouncy:

[harp34552]

I used to test reliably as an INTJ (I love online quizzes; one of the procrastinator's favorite timesucks). But I haven't taken the M-B inventory in probably five years or so, and today I came up as an ENFJ. Interesting!

[toothlesstiger]

on the border between INTJ and INTP

[ChaChaMama]

I'm INFJ, "the Counselor." That fits me well.

I only did an online test.

+++

I also did a "What color is your parachute?" online test several years back and got "blue." (There might have been some additional information on top of the color but can no longer remember.) It seemed to be telling me similar things about myself.

[TangoRocks]

I always come out as some kind of NT, but I have been ENTP, INTP and INTJ at different test taking days/different website subset of questions. I'd say the last two are more like it and the ENTP is a fluke because I don't see myself at all as an Extroverted type--probably some borderline questions sometimes tip me into E.

[TangoRocks]

it marked me as 100% introverted, and my teacher was convined I was intentionally biasing the results...it's not my fault all the questions pretty much asked "Would you rather read or party?" Um, duh.

Love this, yeah, that's one of my favourite "I" questions too--as soon as you prefer reading to partying, you are pigeonholed an Introvert. Not that there's anything wrong with it--it's an honour to be so chosen lol... :cheers:

[Angelo]

PITA is my personality type

[nucat78]

PITA is my personality type
:cheers:

[GGinrhinestones]

INFP, with a whole lot of J.

The way it was explained to me both times I took the full version of the test, the I vs. E is less about social vs. anti-social than where you get your energy. Extroverts recharge by being around people (partying, clubs, etc.) while introverts recharge by reading, meditating, or (as I like to look at it) otherwise escaping into "me time."

[Gorme]

ISFP with S being the strongest.

[TangoRocks]

Well, just for fun, I did two different online ones, one of them with Yes/No answers and the other with a 5-level scale from Very Inaccurate to Very Accurate.

First test calls me an INTJ I (56%) N (50%) T (62%) J (11%)
Second test calls me an INTP I (69.7%) N (70.59%) T (65%) P (59.46%)

which is a very large deviation on the J/P spectrum. However, reading the descriptions, I can identify strong INTJ charactertics (Masterminds never set off on their current project without a Plan A firmly in mind, but they are always prepared to switch to Plan B or C or D if need be.) as well as typical INTP ones in me. (It is difficult for an Architect to listen to nonsense, even in a casual conversation, without pointing out the speaker's error. Ruthless pragmatists about ideas, and insatiably curious, Architects are driven to find the most efficient means to their ends, and they will learn in any manner and degree they can.)

In my dancing, I had big problems at first, when my repertoire consisted of only a few moves, because that didn't give me the Plans A thru D for navigating on the floor (INTJ) whereas I sometimes drive my dance instructors crazy trying to figure out the reason for such and such move or method of leading or interrelations between various dance styles (INTP)

I guess I'm just a borderline case :-P

[GreenEyes26]

For myself, the test resulted in INFP...

One fun thing I read about the INFP type: "INFPs never seem to lose their sense of wonder. One might say they see life through rose-colored glasses. It's as though they live at the edge of a looking-glassworld where mundane objects come to life, where flora and fauna take on near-human qualities."



Woot for INFPs! Love to the dreamers :)

[samina]

still an INTJ over here...mastermind or architect, so-called...and the description fits very well.

[Ray Sison]

Woot for INFPs! Love to the dreamers :)

GreenEyes26: :cheers: to the INFP's (aka Dreamers), alright!

[ireniecat]

INTJ here as well

[samina]

INTJ here as well

sistah ;)

latingal, too... and a few others, here!

[ireniecat]

sistah ;)

latingal, too... and a few others, here!

Hee hee... we totally should be studio managers or competition organizers

[samina]

I'm more the "document-each-discrete-school-of-dance sort...with multi-dimensional, metaphysical applications." :)

But no doubt a couple INTJs could do well with streamlining comp efficiency! :D

[latingal]

I'm more the "document-each-discrete-school-of-dance sort...with multi-dimensional, metaphysical applications." :)

But no doubt a couple INTJs could do well with streamlining comp efficiency! :D

I'm hiding from everything at this point... *grin*

[fire_dancer]

INFJ right here! We're only 1-2% of the population, so I'm trying hard to represent. :)

[Ray Sison]

INFJ right here! We're only 1-2% of the population, so I'm trying hard to represent. :)

:cheers: Good for you!

[mangotango]

Infj

[pygmalion]

Welcome, mangotango. :-)

[Leon Theou]

INxJ. I get both Feeling and Thinking with equal regularity.

[tmill1203]

Infj

[nucat78]

ESJF. We offer the world order! LOL!

Es braust unser Panzer im Sturmwind dahin.

[gardinercd]

INFP! Go dreamers!

[danceronice]

Still an ESTJ (and an Enneagram 3, as if that surprises anyone who's met me.)