Connections between dance and learning

Ok, I loved watching the conference attendees go from reluctant to laughing dancers, but that's not the reason I posted this.  Dr Peter Lovatt's research points out that there are two ways to dance: a) copying specific steps (in our case learning ballet and tap technique), and b) improvising (or creative movement), and that both make us smarter in different ways.  The copying increases our brains capacity to solve problems with one answer, like a math equation, while the improvising makes us more apt at solving problems with multiple answers (eg. think of as many uses for a household brick as fast as you can).

Around the studio, I often hear parents commenting about both: some want to be sure their children learn the discipline and focus that comes from mastering ballet technique, while others stress the importance of fostering their child's individual creativity.  I think we can, and should do both!

Here's the beauty of it: creative movement exercises excite and engage the childrens' minds, bodies and imagination, while strengthening their personal connection to dance as a form of self expression.  Neuro-education research has shown that when we voluntarily engage in a task we can focus and retain information far better than if we are told to do it.  So, the creative expression actually stimulates the development of focus and concentration when we move into technique exercises. I go back and forth between expressive and technical exercises constantly in class, often layering them together and building in complexity.  The results can be truly amazing - creative, focused and engaged little dancers pushing their minds and bodies, and having fun doing it. I love it!