More Than Just a Mirror Image: The Visual System and other Modes of Learning and Performing Dance

Abstract

This article explores the importance of vision in dance from both the teacher's and the learner's perspectives. Since vision does not function in isolation, the interplay between sight and other modes of learning movement-based material is considered as well. Movement activities are provided to assist with understanding this information intellectually and kinesthetically. These movement activities can be tailored to specific dance techniques or to creative movement situations, depending on the needs of the instructor and students. Understanding and applying current information about the visual system to dance and dance training can assist educators with addressing the role of vision in learning material, detecting and correcting errors, and enhancing performance. Technique classes should reflect an awareness of this component of training by exploring vision-related topics like performance focus, kinesthetic and environmental awareness, imagery in verbal feedback, and visualization techniques.