Dancing Smarter: How Understanding Your Brain's Wiring Can Transform Your Learning
Hey Dancers!
We've all been there: You're in a workshop, the instructor demonstrates a beautiful new pattern, and it looks so smooth and natural. But then, you try it, and movements to one side just... stick. Your brain feels like it's fighting itself, and that "simple" left turn or right rotation feels like learning a whole new language.
If this sounds familiar, I'm here to tell you: it's not you, it's your brain! And understanding a bit about how your brain is wired can unlock a whole new level of learning and enjoyment on the dance floor.
My "Aha!" Moment: The Left-Side Labyrinth
For years, I noticed a distinct pattern in my own dance journey. New patterns or complex movements that involved going to my right felt intuitive and clicked almost immediately. But anything requiring a sustained movement or sequence to my left? It felt clunky, disconnected, and took three times the effort to commit to memory.
I used to get so frustrated, but I've since learned that I was experiencing brain lateralization—how our brain's two hemispheres specialize in different tasks and control opposite sides of our body.
Your Brain, The Ultimate Dance Partner
Here’s the simplified breakdown:
Your Left Brain: For most people, this hemisphere is the analytical choreographer. It loves logic and sequence and primarily controls the right side of your body.
Your Right Brain: This hemisphere is often the spatial artist. It excels at holistic movement and spatial awareness and primarily controls the left side of your body.
When you're learning a brand new dance pattern, your left brain is usually doing the heavy lifting of processing the steps and timing.
Find Your Pattern: A Quick Self-Evaluation
Before we go further, find your own natural preferences. Perform these actions quickly and instinctively.
Hand Dominance Test ✋
Fine Motor: Which hand do you write with? Which hand do you use for your phone?
Gross Motor: Imagine throwing a ball. Which hand do you use? Which hand has more power?
Eye Dominance Test 👀
Extend your arms and form a small triangle with your hands.
With both eyes open, center a distant object in the triangle.
Close your left eye. If the object stays centered, you're right-eye dominant. If it jumps out of view, you're left-eye dominant.
Foot & Leg Dominance Test 🦵
Initiation: Walk up to a stair. Which foot steps up first?
Balance: Stand on one leg. Which leg feels more stable? (This is your dominant leg for turns and balance).
Recovery: Stand with your feet together and lean forward. Which foot shoots out to catch you?
The Dance Floor Disconnect
Now, think about your results. When you learn a new pattern:
Movements to Your Right: Your left brain (the choreographer) is learning the sequence AND directly controlling the right side of your body. It's a straight, efficient line of communication.
Movements to Your Left: Your left brain (the choreographer) has to send those instructions across to your right brain to control your left side. For a new pattern, this can cause a temporary "lag," making the movement feel awkward.
What This Means for You (and Your Students!)
This isn't an excuse; it's a strategy.
Be Patient with Your "Hard Side": If you struggle with movements to one side, know that it's often your brain working a little harder. Give yourself permission for extra repetitions.
Know Your Foundation: Your dominant leg is your natural pillar for turns and balance. Use it as your anchor when learning new rotational movements.
Teachers: Look Beyond "Bad Form": When a student struggles, consider their unique wiring. Instead of just drilling them harder, try breaking the movement down differently or simply acknowledging that "this one can feel tricky at first!" to validate their experience.
Understanding how your unique brain is wired is like finding your body's personal user manual. It helps you work with your natural tendencies, making your dance journey more fluid, less frustrating, and ultimately, more joyful.
Happy dancing!
Check out this video that we created for a deeper understanding!
Comments
Post a Comment