All the politicians of today, according to Pontevin, are a little dancers, and all the dancers mix with politics, which, however, should not lead us to confuse them. The dancer distinguishes himself from the ordinary politician in that he does not want power but glory; He does not wish to impose on the world this or that social organization {he cares about it as a guigne} but occupy the scene to make his self shining.
Pontevin suggests that contemporary politicians resemble performers, emphasizing a blend between politics and the arts. However, he warns against conflating the two. Unlike politicians, dancers are driven by a pursuit of glory rather than a quest for power. Their motivations stem from a desire to captivate and express themselves rather than enforce a particular social agenda.
This distinction highlights the essence of the dancer's role, which is to shine on stage rather than wield authority. In contrast, politicians often prioritize establishing control over societal structures. Kundera, through this lens, invites readers to recognize the unique intentions that define public figures, distinguishing the pursuit of artistic expression from the often power-driven nature of politics.
