Empathic Dance Training

What is "empathic dance training"?

"Empathic dance training" involves training in a way that one can experience, for a moment in time,  the way another person (or couple) moves.

The Process

Step 1: Choose the move

• Select a 10-15 second sequence from video of an inspiring dancer or dance couple.

Step 2: Learn it fast

• Aim to learn the move in under 10 minutes. If it takes longer, choose a simpler move.

• Refer back to the video frequently to observe rather than spending time thinking about the movement.

Step 3: Film

• Set a timer 10 minutes.

• After practicing for 10 minutes or less, film yourself performing the movement, preferably using the same music as in the video. 

• Music and rhythm are crucial for empathizing with the original movement. Sometimes, wearing similar shoes or clothes can help embody the movement more closely.

Step 4: Self-Observation

• Compare your recording to the original video. 

• Discussion should be specific (i.e. "I stepped with my left foot instead of my right") rather than descriptive (i.e. "I looked pretty weird while I did that")

Step 5: Repeat

• Redo steps 2 and 3 as needed. The frequency of repetition varies based on what is observed and desired improvements.

Step 6: Note taking

• Take screenshots of specific points in the video that you would like to reference for the next practice.

• i.e. "Next time I would like to practice bending before taking the step in this screenshot"

Why do we choose to use this method?

We needed a method that was structured and that would yield tangible results for people with limited time.

What have been the result so far?

• We can track our progress.

  • We sort the videos by date so we can see how we've been progressing over time.

  • We can track how long it has been since we've trained a particular movement.

• Our training is very focused.

  • We can even select what we want to work on prior to our training times

• Our training is more structured.

  • We can pull up movements we've trained before to use in other endeavors.