Thinking in Dance Vs Feeling

Reflections in Sequins and Satin

By Ian Crewe

I’ve heard it said that dance is motion and emotion. We think about the motions, then learn to feel the emotion that the movements convey. (Don’t think your movements can change how you feel? Try slumping in your chair and frowning for 60 seconds, then tell me you don’t feel sad.) Since we can’t simultaneously think and feel very well, what are the benefits and drawbacks of using one over the other?

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Thinking the Dance

Pros

1. More attention to detail – When we are thinking the dance, we can focus on each little movement, giving our dancing greater control and precision. Every brand new step needs to be thought out carefully to commit it to muscle memory.
2. Catch bad habits – Since you’re watching the movement carefully, you can also spot what is helping or hindering the movement. This allows you to start experimenting to see…

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