Description
Book SynopsisAttention and Focus in Dance supports dancers in honing the skills of attention, focus and self-cueing. Readers will learn about attentional challenges; discover advanced strategies for teaching, self-coaching and cueing; unlock their power reserves and release their dance potential.
Trade Review“Clare Guss-West's holistic approach to classical ballet seems like an idea long overdue… Her approach offers ways to link the latest trends in choreographic innovation to the essence of traditional dance forms as energetic transformations of the spirit.”Peter Lewton—President of International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS)
“After using the Reflection Prompts from Chapter 2 and self-reflecting on how many external focus elements I use, I became so passionate that I gave a full class using only external focus. I was inspired to find new ways to guide dancers into what I want them to achieve."Javier Torres—International teacher, choreographer, and former professional dance
"Clare is a very effective and enchanting educator. She offers elements to our practice that seem very ethereal yet are so practical; very elusive yet so easy. Enjoy discovering how less (but efficient) is sometimes more!"Astrid Sherman, FISTD—ISTD USA representative, former professional dancer, dance educator
"I had the pleasure to come across the beautiful work of Clare Guss-West at the IADMS Conference, Seattle. The information and modalities that she has gathered to help with neural flexibility as well as assuring healthy and sensible physical engagement for dancers of all ages is presented in a open hearted and practical manner. One deceptively simple imaginary exercise introduced has proven to be an invigorating warm up in the ballet classroom. At IADMS Washington Conference she shared her insights into the way in which Qi Gong plays into dance. She has integrated her considerable understandings and skills in ways that the dancers can become more connected to their breath and increase their understanding of the origins of their movements.”Stephanie Saland—Former professional dancer NYCB, Dance Educator
Table of ContentsForeword: An Introduction to Attentional Focus
Gabriele Wulf, PhD Recent scientific research findings: “An external focus of attention is key to optimal performance and learning.”
Part I. Shifting AttentionChapter 1. Attentional Focus Challenges of Dancers
Explores the multitasking demands and information overload of dancers today and the need for a systematic attention and focus strategy in dance training and performance.
Chapter 2. Attentional Focus: A Scientific Perspective
Looks at how scientific attentional focus research relates to dance practice, translating attentional focus findings into dance vocabulary for practical dance contexts.
Chapter 3. Attention and Focus: The Intersection of Eastern and Western Movement
Investigates attention and focus in Eastern movement practice where it intersects with recent scientific findings to provide depth and alternative attentional tools for the dancer.
Chapter 4. Attentional Focus: Enhancing Power, Precision and Artistry
Revisits dance foundations with attention and focus techniques that renew meaning and develop energy, stamina and speed for specific dance challenges.
Chapter 5. Refocus Mind, Replenish Energy
Introduces remedial attention and focus techniques for performers and teachers to clear the mind and replenish energy in motion to protect from energy depletion and exhaustion.
Part II. Cueing AttentionChapter 6. Teaching With External Attentional Focus
Presents practical attentional strategies for teaching, self-coaching and optimal cueing from beginner skills to refining of movement with advanced and professional dancers.
Chapter 7. Beyond Attentional Focus
Places attentional focus in context to explore complementary holistic strategies that support the autonomy of the dancer to bring further benefits to learning and performance.
Chapter 8. Optimal Attentional Cueing
Refines the art of optimum self-cueing, teaching cueing and feedback to enable high performers’ need for powerful, efficient movement at the service of an artistic intention.
