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Standing ovation
Standing ovation
from Wikipedia
Gemini 5 Prime Crew, Astronauts Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad, receive a standing ovation during their visit to the United States House of Representatives

A standing ovation is a form of applause where members of a seated audience stand up while applauding, often after extraordinary performances of particularly high acclaim.

Standing ovations are considered to be a special honor. Often they are used at the entrance or departure of a speaker or performer, where the audience members will continue the ovation until the ovated person leaves or begins their speech.

Lazarus receiving a standing ovation from Russell Simmons

Writing for The New York Times, Jesse McKinley stated that the standing ovation has come to be devalued, especially in politics, where they may be given to political leaders as a routine, rather than as a special honour in unusual circumstances. Examples include party conferences in many countries, where the speech of the party leader is rewarded with a "stage managed" standing ovation, and the State of the Union Address of the President of the United States.[1] Furthermore, standing ovations often happen simply because of name or status, even if the performance is not worthy of such acclaim. Some examples are in politics, in which presidents receive standing ovations just for appearing, and in theater, when renowned actors receive standing ovations upon their first appearance.

History

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In Ancient Rome, returning military commanders (such as Marcus Licinius Crassus after his defeat of Spartacus) whose victories did not meet the requirements of a Roman triumph but which were still praiseworthy were celebrated with an ovation instead. The word's use in English to refer to sustained applause dates from at least 1831.[2]

In sports

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Standing ovations are also often given in sports to reflect an outstanding performance, or to celebrate a beloved sporting hero that has a strong connection with the team's fans and home city.

This practice is especially notable[according to whom?] among sports fans in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where many athletes have received standing ovations exceeding several minutes long. Significant examples include:

  • In 1996, Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard received a 16-minute long standing ovation from the fans at the Montreal Forum following the conclusion of the Forum's final Canadiens home game as he and other Canadiens greats who played at the Forum were presented to the crowd.[3] Richard's ovation is the longest in the history of the Forum and of the Canadiens.
  • In 2002, Montreal Canadiens legend Saku Koivu returned to the Canadiens' lineup following suffering from Burkitt's lymphoma, a form of cancer. Koivu received an 8–9 minutes standing ovation from the Montreal fans prior to puck drop.[4][5] It was officially listed as the second longest standing ovation in Canadiens history at the time, until it was surpassed in 2022 by the Canadiens' pre-game tribute to Guy Lafleur following the announcing of his death.[6]
  • In 2003, after Montreal Expos star player Vladimir Guerrero Sr. played his last game with the Expos, he saluted the Olympic Stadium crowd alongside his son, then three-year-old Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The two wore matching Expos uniforms and tipped their caps to the Montreal faithful as the crowd cheered.[7]
  • In 2022, following the announcing of the death of Canadiens great Guy Lafleur, the team held a tribute to him prior to the Canadiens' game against the Boston Bruins at Bell Centre. The ceremony featured highlights of Lafleur's career being played on the JumboTron and many players and coaches paying respects and saying thanks to Lafleur. The fans in attendance then stood to applaud for 10 minutes and 10 seconds to celebrate Lafleur[8][9] The ovation was officially timed as the second longest in Canadiens history, behind Maurice Richard's from 1996.[10]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A standing ovation is a form of in which an audience rises to its feet to express strong approval or admiration, typically at the conclusion of a , speech, sporting event, or other notable achievement. The practice traces its etymological roots to , where an ovation (from the Latin ovatio, meaning "I rejoice" or "to celebrate") was a ceremonial honoring a victorious general who had achieved a lesser triumph than a full , during which crowds would acclaim the honoree with shouts and . In the modern context, standing ovations evolved as a theatrical around the but gained widespread prominence in the post-World War II era, particularly in Western , as a mark of exceptional acclaim. Today, standing ovations occur across diverse settings, including concerts, political addresses, award ceremonies, and sports arenas, serving as a spontaneous or ritualized signal of profound appreciation that elevates the recipient's recognition beyond seated clapping. In film festivals such as Cannes and Venice, they have become a hallmark tradition, often lasting several minutes and sometimes exceeding 10; for instance, Pan's Labyrinth (2006) received a record 22-minute standing ovation at Cannes, underscoring the event's role in gauging a film's potential cultural impact. Recent trends indicate an increase in their frequency, partly attributed to heightened audience enthusiasm following the COVID-19 pandemic, though critics argue this has diluted their rarity as a reserved honor for truly outstanding work.

Overview

Definition

A standing ovation occurs when a significant portion of an audience rises from their seats to applaud, typically signaling exceptional approval or emotional response to a , speech, or event. This gesture represents the highest level of public enthusiasm, distinguishing it from standard by the physical act of standing, which amplifies the visual and communal expression of . Key elements of a standing ovation include the audience's sustained while upright, frequently joined by cheering or shouts, creating a prolonged and intensified wave of recognition. Durations vary widely, from brief seconds to several minutes, reflecting the depth of the collective reaction. Importantly, not every instance of standing during applause constitutes a true standing ovation; for example, patrons may rise solely to improve visibility over those in front, without intending to honor the occasion. The term "standing ovation" first appeared in English in and gained widespread use during the . It stems from the Latin ovatio, denoting a lesser triumph in —a honoring successes too minor for a full triumphus, where the victor entered the city on foot or horseback amid cheers. In contemporary contexts, "ovation" has evolved to signify a burst of fervent , with the "standing" modifier emphasizing the elevated participation. Standing ovations often begin with a few individuals rising spontaneously, prompting a rapid spread as others follow, in contrast to applause confined to seated positions. This initiation reflects where early adopters influence the group, as explored in models of audience behavior.

Cultural significance

The standing ovation serves as a profound symbol of peak audience appreciation, conferring immediate honor and validation upon performers, speakers, or events deemed exceptional. This embodies a democratic form of acclaim, open to all participants without reliance on institutional awards, and temporarily bridges social divides by uniting diverse audiences in collective recognition. As a non-verbal reward, it reinforces communal bonds and signifies transcendence of ordinary , often marking moments of emotional or artistic . Cultural practices surrounding standing ovations vary significantly worldwide, reflecting broader societal norms around expression and restraint. In Western contexts, particularly in the United States and , they are commonplace in theaters, concerts, and political gatherings, frequently emerging as a synchronized response to solid if not always extraordinary performances. In Asian cultures, such as , standing ovations remain rare and are typically reserved for truly outstanding achievements, aligning with values of and group that discourage individual standout actions. Media representations amplify the standing ovation's role as a of , often depicting it in films and television as a dramatic pinnacle of achievement, such as during award ceremonies or festival premieres. These portrayals, including extended ovations at events like the , shape public narratives around artistic triumph and influence perceptions of a work's viability, even as their authenticity is sometimes debated. further magnifies these moments, turning them into viral symbols of validation that extend beyond the live event.

History

Origins

The roots of the standing ovation trace back to ancient Roman ceremonies, particularly the ovatio, a lesser form of the triumph awarded to military commanders for victories not warranting the full pomp of a . In this ritual, the general processed on foot through the streets of , greeted by crowds in public forums who expressed approval through shouts of joy (io triumphe) and hand gestures akin to , symbolizing communal rejoicing and honor for the leader's achievements. This practice, documented in historical accounts of Roman spectacles, established an early precedent for collective acclaim in public gatherings. In the classical theater of and , audience reactions evolved into structured forms of . Greek plays by dramatists like elicited enthusiastic responses from spectators in amphitheaters, where clapping and vocal acclamations signified approval, as implied in philosophical reflections on dramatic and emotional engagement. Roman theater further formalized these gestures, with crowds employing hand claps, finger snaps, and waves at the end of plays. Aristotle's Poetics underscores the profound impact of such performances on viewers, highlighting the role of collective response in validating artistic excellence. During the medieval and eras, standing emerged as a codified gesture of deference in European courts, where performances like mystery plays, masques, and early s unfolded in the presence of . Courtiers were expected to rise upon the entry of lords or monarchs and remain standing throughout entertainments unless explicitly invited to sit, a protocol that infused theatrical events with hierarchical respect. This custom is elaborated in Baldassare Castiglione's (1528), a seminal on Renaissance decorum that prescribed such physical demonstrations of honor during social and artistic gatherings. Standing ovations became associated with theater around the , amid the innovation of opera at princely courts in and , where audiences honored singers and composers with prolonged applause. By the , the standing ovation proliferated with the advent of , as audiences embraced heightened emotional expression in response to passionate operas and dramatic works. The era's emphasis on individual feeling and sublime artistry encouraged spectators to rise spontaneously, transforming applause into a visceral affirmation of artistic transcendence. A notable early instance came at the 1824 premiere of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in , where the audience gave a standing ovation to the deaf composer, unaware at first of their applause until turned to face the crowd.

Modern development

In the early , standing ovations began to emerge more prominently within American theater and film, coinciding with the rise of Broadway musicals and Hollywood's . While rare compared to later decades, enthusiastic audience responses, including occasional standing applause, marked landmark productions and premieres, amplifying the spectacle through newsreels and public events that reached wider audiences. Following , the practice expanded significantly through mass media, particularly television broadcasts starting in the 1950s. , first televised nationally in 1953, helped popularize awards ceremonies and brought audience reactions into living rooms, with standing ovations becoming a more recognized form of acclaim in subsequent decades. By the , events like the 1969 Woodstock festival featured mass standing crowds and ovations, such as the one received by performer , reflecting a shift toward more spontaneous and communal expressions in live music. The digital age from the 2000s onward further transformed standing ovations via and , enabling virtual participation in global events. Platforms allowed audiences to mimic ovations through comments, emojis, and online cheers during streamed performances, while physical ovations persisted at major gatherings like Olympic closing ceremonies, where delegations often receive prolonged standing as a symbol of unity. The from 2020 to 2022 disrupted in-person traditions, with theater closures and restrictions leading to a sharp decline in physical standing ovations worldwide. Venues shifted to virtual and hybrid formats, fostering digital alternatives like applause simulations and live-streamed curtain calls, which sustained audience engagement and paved the way for post-pandemic blends of live and remote appreciation.

Contexts

Performing arts

In the performing arts, standing ovations are a hallmark of audience appreciation, particularly during curtain calls in theater productions where performers bow to acknowledge the crowd's enthusiasm. This tradition underscores the emotional culmination of a live performance, with etiquette generally reserving full standing ovations for the end of the show to avoid disrupting the narrative flow, though mid-performance stands occasionally occur for particularly moving scenes or songs. In music concerts, standing ovations frequently honor exceptional artistry, especially in classical settings where conductors like often received them for transformative interpretations, as seen in his 1960 New York Philharmonic performances of Beethoven works during a visit to that elicited prolonged . Similarly, in pop and rock genres, such ovations have marked iconic moments, with audiences rising en masse during high-energy sets; these displays commonly trigger encores, as performers respond to the sustained energy by returning for additional songs, a practice rooted in the interactive dynamic of live music events. Standing ovations in and emphasize individual brilliance, with traditions at venues like Moscow's Theater often featuring rises for soloists during ballets, where engineered from dedicated supporters amplifies recognition of technical mastery. At Milan's , such ovations have long been paired with vocal exclamations like "bravo" or "brava" to acclaim singers, a custom dating to the when enthusiastic calls during arias became integral to the theater's passionate audience culture. However, the prevalence of standing ovations in commercial theater has led to concerns over "ovation inflation," where even average receive them due to social pressures and group , diluting the gesture's significance as a rare tribute to excellence. This phenomenon, observed in both Broadway and West End productions, reflects broader dynamics where peer influence prompts widespread standing, regardless of . Critics argue it stems from a desire to validate ticket investments, contributing to obligatory rises that overshadow genuine acclaim.

Sports

In sports, standing ovations frequently occur during stadium traditions to honor exceptional individual achievements, such as in where players return for "curtain calls" to acknowledge roaring crowds. This practice, prominent at since the late 20th century, sees fans rising en masse to celebrate power hitters, as exemplified by multiple curtain calls for after his record-breaking 61st in 1961. Similarly, in soccer, spectators often stand to applaud brilliant goals, particularly those by visiting players that earn respect from rival fans, like Ronaldinho's stunning strike at the Bernabéu in 2005, which prompted a full stadium ovation from Real Madrid supporters. Fans also rise for retiring athletes, creating emotional farewells that underscore loyalty and legacy. Derek Jeter's 2014 final home game at drew prolonged standing ovations from the capacity crowd after his infield single, marking the end of his storied Yankees career. These moments contrast with team-wide celebrations, where entire stadiums erupt for championship victories; after the ' 8-5 win in Game 7 of the at [Shea Stadium](/page/Shea Stadium), fans stood in ecstatic ovation as the team claimed their second title, flooding the field in jubilation. Standing ovations are a staple at award ceremonies, amplifying the prestige of athletic milestones. In hall of fame inductions, such as the , inductees like in 2008 received a record four-minute standing ovation from attendees, reflecting delayed recognition of his contributions. Similarly, at team ceremonies like the Hall of Fame induction for in 2024, former teammate received an emotional standing ovation. Olympic medal presentations often prompt national contingents and crowds to stand, such as the ovation for the Refugee Olympic Team during the 2016 Rio , symbolizing global solidarity. Globally, these gestures trace back to 19th-century British , evolving with packed arenas in where crowds stood for landmarks like centuries. In modern formats like the , players such as earned teammate and fan ovations for his eighth IPL century in 2024, highlighting the tradition's adaptation to high-stakes, spectator-driven events.

Politics and public events

Standing ovations frequently occur during political speeches at party conventions, where they serve to demonstrate unity and enthusiasm for nominees or key policy announcements. For instance, at the , received a three-minute standing ovation upon accepting her party's nomination, underscoring collective support amid a transition from . Similarly, outgoing was met with a nearly five-minute standing ovation on the convention's opening night, reflecting bipartisan and intraparty solidarity. These moments, often choreographed by organizers, amplify the visual spectacle of cohesion in highly partisan environments. In award and tribute events, standing ovations honor dignitaries and laureates in formal international settings. At sessions, world leaders routinely receive such acclaim upon delivering addresses, as seen when Ukrainian President was greeted with a prolonged standing ovation in 2022 for his plea against Russian aggression. ceremonies similarly feature standing ovations for recipients, such as the 2022 Peace Prize winners who earned extended applause for their advocacy during the award presentation in . A notable historical example is South African President Nelson Mandela's 1994 address to a of the U.S. Congress, where he prompted multiple standing ovations from lawmakers for his remarks on post-apartheid reconciliation and global partnership. Standing ovations at funerals and memorials adopt a more subdued, honorific tone, contrasting the exuberance of celebratory contexts by emphasizing respect and closure. During state funerals, attendees or crowds often rise in solemn applause to pay tribute, as occurred along the procession route for Queen Elizabeth II's 2022 state funeral, where thousands stood and clapped in quiet reverence as her coffin passed through London. This form of standing applause, distinct from boisterous cheering, highlights collective mourning while affirming the deceased's legacy, though it remains rare inside formal services to maintain decorum. In international , standing ovations in parliamentary bodies like the mark ceremonial welcomes for visiting leaders, fostering goodwill but occasionally sparking controversy. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, for example, received rapturous standing ovations during his 2023 address to the , symbolizing European solidarity against invasion. However, these gestures can become politicized, leading to boycotts or divided responses; during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 2024 speech to the U.S. , some members boycotted in protest over Gaza policies while others provided enthusiastic standing ovations, highlighting partisan tensions. Such instances underscore the ovation's role as both a diplomatic tool and a potential flashpoint for ideological rifts.

Social aspects

Psychological mechanisms

Standing ovations often arise through and , where individuals stand to align with the perceived majority opinion, driven by the fear of . This phenomenon echoes Solomon Asch's experiments from the 1950s, which demonstrated that people frequently adjust their behavior to match a group, even when aware of the inaccuracy, due to . In audience settings, the initial standers create a visible signal that prompts others to conform, amplifying participation as hesitation gives way to group alignment. The further explains this cascade, positing that each person has a personal threshold—the minimum proportion of the audience standing required to prompt their own action—beyond which they join in. Developed by in 1978 and applied to standing ovations by and Scott E. Page in their 2004 model, this framework shows how heterogeneous thresholds lead to tipping points. This model highlights not as blind imitation but as a rational response to evolving , where early adopters lower the effective threshold for the rest. Emotional contagion also plays a key role, with mirror neurons enabling the rapid spread of excitement and approval among audience members. These neurons activate both when observing others' enthusiastic actions, such as standing and , and when performing them oneself, fostering a shared emotional state that heightens collective arousal. research supports this, showing that synchronized correlates with inter-brain coupling, where audience members' neural activity aligns in regions associated with reward and social bonding, amplifying the ovation's intensity. Reciprocity and validation contribute by framing the ovation as a grateful response to the performer's effort, evoking a of mutual . Psychological studies indicate that witnessing excellence triggers "other-praising" emotions like and , motivating audiences to reciprocate through heightened to affirm the shared value of the experience. This act validates both the performer and the audience's discernment, reinforcing social bonds via the , where appreciation for delivered value prompts an equivalent gesture of honor. However, these mechanisms can foster negative outcomes, such as leading to undeserved ovations. A 2013 study on applause dynamics revealed that causes applause duration to vary significantly—even for identical stimuli—due to probabilistic joining and quitting influenced by the proportion already clapping, resulting in prolonged ovations without proportional merit. This "herding" effect, where individuals follow the crowd irrespective of personal assessment, diminishes the ovation's authenticity as a discerning signal of excellence.

Etiquette and variations

Standard for a standing ovation emphasizes reserving the gesture for performances deemed truly exceptional, rather than offering it routinely to avoid diluting its significance. Participants are not obligated to stand simply because others do, as etiquette experts advise against succumbing to if the feels unwarranted. The duration of the ovation often reflects the level of enthusiasm, with common lengths spanning several minutes in theater and settings. Regional variations influence the frequency and interpretation of standing ovations. In contrast, British audiences, particularly at classical venues, reserve standing for rare instances of excellence, with often remaining seated to uphold a tradition of restraint. During the , virtual adaptations emerged, such as digital features in video conferencing apps like Zoom, allowing remote participants to simulate collective ovations without physical presence. In academic and conference settings, controversies have arisen over "clap traps," such as replacing traditional with silent gestures like to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, prompting debates on whether such changes undermine communal expression. Modern faces challenges from , including pressure to join ovations for , which can lead to performative rather than genuine participation. Some Toastmasters clubs encourage standing ovations for milestone speeches such as the "Ice Breaker" to foster confidence, while advising evaluators to deliver feedback that warrants enthusiastic responses without routine inflation.

References

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