Dance & Memory

Dance is generally considered to be entertainment, exercise, or performance but in reality does a lot with the human mind. The dance has the tendency to imprint memory leaving behind what is known as kinesthetic memories. That is why dancers are able to recall choreography after years pass without practicing, and some rhythms tend to bring back the past. In fact, dance therapy is increasingly being utilized in memory care, even among dementia residents. A waltz can take one back to a wedding day, and a salsa's rhythm can take one back to after-work parties. Dance not only moves the body: it brings back the past, and makes us realize that memory is not only in the brain, but in the muscles too.

Aside from memory, dance is probably the most potent medium that we can play emotion with. A bound can be filled with unadulterated joy, and a crashing sweep can convey loss, bereavement, or release. Of particular interest here is the manner in which dance not merely informs us of emotion, dance speaks emotion. Research indicates that in observing dance, his or her brain responds in imitation mode that fires up "mirror neurons." The result is that the observer himself fantasizes dancing himself, and an evening can provoke goosebumps, tears, or laughter without a single word ever being uttered. Dance is an international language that reflects the unity of our one human experience, allowing feeling to be viewed without interpretation.

A reminder to all dancers worldwide that dance is so much more than counts and steps. Every step is a story, the chance to leave something in the rearview mirror for others, for you. The next time you put your foot down on the floor of the dance, try choosing music that speaks to you and allow it to guide your performance. Instead of technical accuracy, allow the history of the dance to guide the way you move. What you will be creating is not more expressive movement; it will be an experience that brings you into your own tradition and invites others into your space. Thus, dance goes beyond choreography: it is now memory, feeling, and connection merged.