Attention and Focus in Dance: Enhancing Power, Precision, and Artistry

Attention and Focus in Dance is a how-to book that provides a systematic, science-based approach to the mental work of dance, helping dancers unlock their power and stamina reserves, enhance their sensory perception, and release their dance potential. It offers a unique approach that connects the foundations of Eastern movement with Western movement forms, research-based teaching practices in diverse contexts, and testimonies and tips from international professional dancers and dance educators. Part I guides dancers in looking at the attentional challenges and information overload that many professional dancers suffer from, while Part II presents attention and focus strategies for teaching, self-coaching, and cueing. It addresses attentional focus cues for beginners and for more advanced dancers and professionals, and places attentional focus in the broader context of holistic teaching strategies. It aids readers in filtering information and directing their focus for optimal physical effect, and ultimately guides dancers and teachers in being the best version of themselves and maximising their potential in dance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2020
Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers

The Western approach to dance emphasizes control and technique, but mindful attention has often been overlooked. However, a new book, "Attention and Focus in Dance," by Clare Guss-West, offers a systematic, science-based approach to the mental work of dance. Guss-West, a professional dancer, choreographer, teacher, and holistic practitioner, presents a unique approach that connects the foundations of Eastern movement with Western movement forms. Her approach helps dancers hone the skills of attention, focus, and self-cueing to replenish energy and enhance their physical and artistic performance. The book offers a research-based teaching practice in diverse contexts, including professional dance companies, private studios, and programmes for dancers with special needs or movement challenges. Testimonies and tips from international professional dancers and dance educators who use the book's approach in their training and teaching are included. Guss-West explores attentional focus techniques for dancers, teachers, and dance health care practitioners, making practical connections between research, movement theory, and day-to-day dance practice. "Many dancers are using . . . "

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 178 x 253 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781492594451