Dancing With Your Head On Mental Imagery Techniques for Dancers

نویسنده

  • Harlene Goldschmidt
چکیده

Astudent once declared, “My biggest challenge is me.” In the class Psychological Techniques for Dancers we were discussing using mental imagery and other psychological skills that can be used effectively to enhance dance practice and performance. The insightful student put into words the fact that to realize our dreams we sometimes need to reflect on ourselves. This article will describe the benefits of including mental imagery and self-reflection skills within the context of dance training and performance. Specific psychological skills will be explained with supporting research focusing on the effects of mental imaging. Creativity and expression in dance may be enhanced through the development of both body and mind. Practicing psychological skills, like imagery and relaxation, helps focus dancers inward where they have access to feelings about themselves and their dancing. The resulting self-awareness is an important and rewarding part of psychological skills training. Becoming more aware of actions and reactions frees people from automatic responses, and allows for more and better choices. Likewise, giving dancers more tools to reflect on their internal dance experience provides them with opportunities for improving technique and fully exploring avenues for self-expression. Creating a psychological approach, involving mental imagery and self-discovery, within the context of dance education, is a useful tool for improving performance. As a psychologist and psychoanalyst, I have learned about the ways in which individuals think, feel, learn, dream, and experience themselves and others. In psychological skills training, students learn and practice various skills, and participate in discussions regarding their dance experiences. My students, college dance majors and adolescents in intensive training programs in dance and figure skating, have shown a desire and a willingness to explore their dance experiences, practice mental imagery, and talk about their discoveries. As students develop skills, like visualizing and reflecting on themselves, they are freer to create new ways to express themselves through dancing. In this way, dancers cultivate the power of their imagination.

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تاریخ انتشار 2002