The Embodiment of Aerial Practice: Body, Mind, Emotion

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the embodied qualities of aerial practice among 13 US undergraduate students (M age = 20.46 years old). Drawing on the philosophy of embodiment, interview questions addressed bodily sensations, cognition, and the role of music and mirror viewing. The first emerging theme from the analysis was bodily sensations and cognition, including integrating cognitive and sensory bodily awareness (thinking and sensing the movements), bodily awareness and visual cues (e.g., emphasizing bodily sensations), and pain and the body. The second theme was music, mind, body, and emotion, including the embodiment of music and performance without music. In movement programs, cognitive and sensory bodily awareness are keys to all stages of skill acquisition. Overreliance on mirror viewing may diminish proprioception. Given that pain does not entirely disappear with continuous practice, it can affect movement execution. Bodily expressions with or without music can be embodied and artistic.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Dance Education

First Page

224

Last Page

233

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