The Neurocognition of Dance

Book excerpt: Dance has always been an important aspect of all human cultures, and the study of human movement and action has become a topic of increasing relevance over the last decade, bringing dance into the focus of the cognitive sciences. This book discusses the wide range of interrelations between body postures and body movements as conceptualised in dance with perception, mental processing and action planning. The volume brings together cognitive scientists, psychologists, neuroscientists, choreographers, and ballet teachers, to discuss important issues regarding dance and cognition. First, scientists introduce ideas that offer different perspectives on human movement and therefore can be applied to dance. Secondly, professionals from the world of dance have their say, reporting on how their creative and pedagogical work relates to cognition and learning. Finally, researchers with personal links to the dance world demonstrate how neurocognitive methods are applied to studying different aspects related to dance. This book is suitable for students and professionals from the fields of psychology, neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, sport psychology and sport science, movement science, motor control, motor development, kinesiology, dance, choreography, dance education and dance therapy; to teachers who want to teach dance to students of any age.