The brain is the most powerful organ in the human body. It has control over every conscious and unconscious function and is able to interpret information from the outside world. It even dictates a dancer’s performance. Though dance is a physical activity, the mind impacts whether dancing is healthy or obsessive. In this article, we will discuss dance on a psychological level and compare the different types of passions as well as understanding the power of visualization.
Most students or professionals who have danced for the majority of their lives understand that dance is so much more than just a hobby. For many, dance is something that makes one feel alive and at one’s best. It is this intense passion that motivates dancers to continue taking classes every day and pushing themselves to be the best dancer they can be. Though passion can be motivational, it can also have a negative effect on a dancer. There are two main types of passions: harmonious and obsessive. A harmonious passion is one in which an activity becomes a part of one’s identity but is not necessary for self-esteem or social approval. An obsessive passion, on the other hand, is just what it sounds like: dancers being overly obsessed with perfection. A harmonious passion for dance is ideal for it is the healthier option. It is shown to cause fewer injuries because its dancers are more self-aware during recovery, they take more time practicing injury prevention exercises, and they put in a larger effort in preserving their bodies compared to those with an obsessive passion. Contrary to this, an obsessive passion is shown to cause more prolonged injuries due to reduced rest time and less proper injury treatment because of their pride. Obsessive passions tend to cause dancers to feel the need to constantly be dancing in the studio just to make sure they perfect every part of their technique. This constant dancing largely increases the risk of injury due to the lack of recovery time that promotes healing in their bodies. An obsessive passion also makes dancers feel as if they will never be good enough, therefore causing their thoughts to turn negative. After reading the evidence provided, it is obvious that a harmonious passion is much safer than an obsessive passion. Having a harmonious mindset allows one to have a safer experience with their passion and increases the longevity of their activity. It is imperative that we help our fellow dancers remain harmonious with dancing in order to reduce injury rates and negative mindsets.
In addition to the types of passions, the mind has control over whether or not one is dancing to the fullest potential. Though it may sound strange, visualization can play a key role in executing movements. Before commencing a movement, if a dancer imagines themself doing it perfectly and with complete control, they will have a higher chance of accomplishing it properly and avoiding mistakes. For example, if a dancer is attempting a double pirouette, it will be more successful if they first use their mind to visualize themself in a strong preparation position, then pushing up into a passé, followed by two controlled turns, and finishing in a solid ending position. This method works best when the dancer imagines a movement broken down into smaller steps, each of which is executed in their ideal way. This visualization technique allows the dancer to have more confidence in themself as well as giving them a goal to work towards. In contrast, if a dancer’s mind is plagued with anxiety, fear, or stress, it can lead to hesitation, their dancing to falter, a weaker balance, and muscle tension. These are all hindrances when it comes to performing on stage or practicing in the studio. A positive mindset, visualization, and confidence have all been proven to have a beneficial effect on one’s dancing. In order to improve, one must remember that the mind is the key to success.
After reading this article, you may be realizing that your mind plays a bigger role in dancing than you may have originally thought. It has command over one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions, all of which can greatly affect one’s dancing. The mind also has the power to allow the body to execute movement more precisely, simply by visualizing it. In order to dance at one’s best, it is imperative to maintain a positive relationship with dancing and to remember to not let negativity infiltrate; otherwise, mistakes or injuries could occur. This idea of psychology playing a role in dance is not well known, but by spreading the knowledge, we can help the dancers in our community improve in a way they did not know they could and reach their fullest potential.
Haas, Jacqui Greene. Dance Anatomy, Human Kinematics, 2010, www.minhha.vn/forum/uploadfiles/1.Dance-in-Motion.pdf.
Rip, Blanka, et al. The Relationship Between Passion and Injury in Dance Students, citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.719.9073&rep=rep1&type=pdf.
Krasnow, Donna, and Steven Chatfield. “Conditioning with Imagery for Dancers.” Dance Science and the Dance Technique Class - By Stephen J. Chatfield, Ph.D., Donna Krasnow, M.S., 1996, www.citraining.com/Dance-Science-and-Dance-Technique-Class.html.