Throughout my years of college as a Dance Science major, I had to explain my major and what this field of study was more times than I could count. If you are wondering the same thing, have no fear, all your questions are about to be answered! (Hopefully). Harkness Center for Dance Injuries defines Dance Science like this:
(Click the quote to read more ^^^)
My simple definition to non dancing people is “It is Kinesiology/Exercise Science but specifically for Dance.” and that usually conveys a better understanding, but the truth is it is so. much. more. I have narrowed down my top reasons of my love for dance science, and why I think you would benefit from it as well!
Increased awareness in the body.
Dancers are incredibly in tune with themselves. Proprioception is a wildly fascinating topic. I will go way more in depth on in future blog posts! Studies have shown that the more proprioception a person has, the less the tendency is for them to get injured (Source). Dancers already have a high amount of proprioceptive abilities. So, give them some anatomical knowledge over what is actually going on and BOOM. Body awareness to the max.
Taking your dance career in your own hands.
I spent my high school dance career trying to figure out how to improve my flexibility. I googled, read, asked but not really getting answers/knowing how to get answers. One reason why I chose this field of study so if I wanted to improve ________, I knew what muscles I needed to strengthen, lengthen, activate, etc. in order to do the thing. Googling is great- but nothing can beat just knowing. Especially in the dance world, where unfortunately even dance teachers have no clue what is happening in the body and can so easily lead you the wrong way. So many injuries dancers are dealing with today can be prevented. Practices that have been “tradition” for so many years may not actually be the best thing to have in your practice. Like static stretching before every. single. class. **GASP** More on that later. much more….
Can use it to help other people- not just in dance.
A huge passion in my life is education. All of this dance science knowledge I have learned, I love and can apply to myself in everything I do! But it is so rewarding and fun to me to teach other people! Maybe not everyone wants to learn how to dance. (Confused on that one). But at least most people would like to learn about their bodies and how to move better/ without pain.
Studying the body is mind blowing.
The more I learn about the body, the more I am in awe by how awesome it is. And whether you are educated on the goings-ons of it or not, it is happening 24/7/365 without you having to even think about it. Epic.
This blog is going to cover dance science approved practices, information over the anatomy and physiology pertaining to dancers, research, injury prevention tips, nutrition, analysis of certain movements, fascia, neuroplasticity, development, teaching kids dance science and much more!
What are you most looking forward to seeing? Leave your comments below and I look forward to sharing more in the future!
3 Comments
Great read! Thanks for this explanation. Your passion for understanding the miracle of human movement is welcome and infectious!
Thank you!! I appreciate you taking the time to read it! More to come 🙂
Nicely explained. Something I was looking for. Thanks.