Saturday
Imagery Statute
This Ballet Statute is one of the most
important. I’ve talked about imagery a lot, and I’ve used it in many, many
Ballet Secrets. But imagery is so powerful that it is worth repeating.
Here is a definition of imagery from http://www.foundations-for-excellence.org/file_storage/beyondphysicalpractice_1.pdf
:
“Imagery can be thought of as the cognitive or
imaginary rehearsal of a skill or situation without overt muscular movement.”
This site
also suggests:
“In order to get the most out of your
imagery, try to keep the
following principles in mind:
>>
Practice regularly: Just like normal
physical practice, imagery probably will not have an immediate effect and both
diligence and patience will help. Try to set aside a few minutes in the morning
to set you up for the day ahead, evaluate via imagery for five minutes after
each class or lesson, or go over the learning points of the day in your head
before going to sleep.
>>
It is better to carry out short,
regular imagery sessions than long, infrequent
sessions. A few minutes make a good
start – and should ensure that concentration stays on task!
>>
Mentally rehearse specific skills or
qualities you are working on in your technical
training, above and close to your
current level of performance.
>>
Use all of your senses so you feel
you are actually in the situation executing the skills.”
Much of this refers to longer mental
rehearsals, but I also like to use short, simple images in class – like holding
a beach ball for fifth en avant, for example. You can find many of these images by going
back over my previous blog entries.
Today’s Link of the Day is an article that
details some of the science and reasoning behind all of this. Search for more articles online and you’ll find them. Imagery is not just a woo-woo idea, and
nowadays most people recognize that. There is science behind it, and the
results speak for themselves.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Secret #:
“Never
underestimate the power of mental imagery.”
Link of the Day:
Quote of the Day:
“You have
power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find
strength.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Help
expand the knowledge base!
Leave
a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!
My latest
books are coloring books! They are available on Amazon.
Want to know
more about me? Read my interview at Ballet Connections:
Or "Like" me on my
Facebook Author Page:
No comments:
Post a Comment