By imagery, I mean visualization, using your mind’s eye. For example, if you visualize your shoulders as you practice a turn, what happens if you imagine your shoulders to be very heavy, or light as air? If you focus on a part of your body— let’s say, your neck—while you perform a dance step, and then perform exactly the same sequence by focusing on your back, or your feet, what happens? The change in focus will change how you perform the step.
There arecertain basic images that will help you develop an awareness that will fill your whole body. I want you to identify with each image as much as possible. For example, the image of a leaf—don’t just think about all the different things a leaf can do. Identify with the leaf, find out what a leaf would do from the point of view of a leaf. Become a leaf swept up by the wind. Let the wind play with you. Let the image control your expression.
Water is a powerful image. Imagine yourself slicing through water. Whatever body surface leads the movement is the bow of a ship cutting through the water. Or think of your feet and hands splashing through water. Or imagine you’re completely under water. Move underwater like a fish. Using different images of water will give you a wider range of techniques for expressing yourself. The images will increase your sense of mental clarity. Some of my students have even reported having fewer muscle aches after using the water imagery.
The instructor describes the use of imagery in dance. Explain how specific imagery can affect a dancer’s experience and performance.
