2 3 Wondrous Wednesday Imagery | Ballet Webb

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Wondrous Wednesday Imagery



Wondrous Wednesday Imagery

Those of you who read this blog regularly know that imagery is a primary focus of many of my posts.  This is because imagery is one of the most powerful tools a dancer can use to improve technique.

Imagery isn’t magical thinking, or “woo-woo” stuff.  According to an article in Psychology Today by Alison Bonds Shapiro M.B.A., (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/healing-possibility/201206/the-power-imagery):
“If we imagine moving our bodies we experience electrical impulses in our brains and make connections between neurons very much as if we are actually doing what we imagine we are doing.”

This is why imagery works so well for dancers. We are actually creating important links between neurons – links that are critical for honing movement. Of course, this is not a substitute for practice and repetition, but it is an essential adjunct to this daily routines. 

Many dancers learn to use imagery instinctively, and since we are all artists, imagination always plays a role in what we do, from learning a movement to creating a character. Don’t dismiss the power a single image can have. Imagine holding a beach ball, imagine a string pulling upward from the top of your head, imagine holding a raw egg... you get the idea.

Try it!

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #7mm:  
“ Imagery is a powerful tool for improving technique.”

                Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“When you read a novel, your own imagery is the most important. It's what makes reading such a wonderful thing.”




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 Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!

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