Benefits of Dance Improvisation

Benefits of Dance Improvisation

Dance Improvisation Definition: Dance improvisation is not only about creating new movement, but is also defined as freeing the body from habitual movement patterns.

Improvisation is the process of spontaneously creating movement and it is the development of improvised movement material that is facilitated through a variety of creative explorations. Some of these explorations include body mapping through body mind centering, levels, shapes, dynamics, sensory experiences through touch or contact, and perception.

At Varsity our dance classes are structured lessons that incorporate different skills, techniques, tricks, combinations, and choreography to give the students all the knowledge and capabilities they need to be a successful performer. As a dancer improvisation is important because it assists students to think on the spot, make quick decisions, and trust their technique. Though improvisation can be scary at the beginning, it will benefit dancers not only in their dance class but in their academic and professional careers as well.

Here are some benefits of dance improvisation….

1. Boost Confidence

If dancers are only comfortable with predetermined steps and combinations, they’ll likely be insecure when it comes to improvisation. However, pushing through this fear and letting their bodies guide them can often serve as a huge confidence-booster. Improv exercises can also help alleviate fears that your dancers may have about making mistakes. When they’re making up steps on the spot, there’s no “right” and “wrong”. Instead, it’s just about being confident and creative while having fun.

2. Encourage Self-Discovery

Improvisation requires dancers to step outside their comfort zones. It helps dancers discover who they are as performers, problem solve during a performance, and think on the spot. When dancers aren’t solely focused on learning steps, their minds will be open to all the possibilities that dance has to offer.

3. Improve Musicality

Musicality is a skill that is multi-faceted and complicated to explain. However, when words are failing you, sometimes a little improvisation can help demonstrate what this quality is all about. Incorporating free-style dance allows the music to guide their steps. Though it is awkward for beginners, if they take it seriously it will soon help them to develop their musicality skills.

4. Aid Performance Recovery

There are times in every performer’s career when he or she misses a step or falls during a trick. These moments are embarrassing for any level of dancer, but what sets the pros apart from the beginners is how they recover. Many times young performers will freeze after making a mistake. When they’re used to going with the flow, they’ll be able to turn a trip into a graceful turn, and they can easily get right back into their performance. Many times, the audience won’t even notice the misstep if the dancer recovers fluidly.

5. Inspire Choreography

Choreographer’s block is all too real.  Whether you are an experienced choreographer or brand new to the art, improvisation is a great and effective tool to use. Improvisation helps you break free of your inspiration rut with a fun, free-flowing inprov session. Adding an element to improvisation like dancing with a partner or a group of people is also very effective.

Improvisation is beneficial to both teachers and students. It helps everyone to think outside of the box and it allows dancers to continue growing as performers and free thinkers.

 The authors

Taylor Amerson was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.  She graduated from The University Of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in May of 2015 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Communications.  While attending UNLV, Taylor was on the dance team known as the Rebel Girls for four years.  In 2013 she was ranked a National Champion in the UDA Hip Hop Division 1A category and ranked third place in the UDA Pom Division IA category.  From then on, UNLV has been one of the top 3 schools in both Division IA Hip Hop and Pom.  Along with dancing on a college team, Taylor also became an instructor for UDA in 2013.  Over the past three summers she has taught many camps at the high school and collegiate level teaching different styles such as Pom, Jazz, and Hip Hop.  She just returned home from Chile where she was teaching in Santiago and Antofagasta.