Proprioception and balance

Study Tasks

1. Reading and Research

a) Read Batson’s IADMS articles. Define balance and proprioception and make fully referenced notes on why each is important in dance training and practice.

b) Using these articles and any other reputable sources to which you have access, list factors that contribute to balance and consider how these may impact on dance performance.

2. Writing

a) Using the factors you discovered through task ‘b’ above, think about dance specific examples and how you could incorporate targeted exercises within your class.

b) What intrinsic and extrinsic factors may affect a student’s proprioception? Consider the work you have undertaken in previous modules regarding growth, adolescence, hypermobility, safe dance spaces and injury, and give 3 examples of when and how special consideration may need to be given to proprioception. (approx. 500 words)

3. Reflection

a) With regards to your own balance, next time you are in class pay particular attention to which elements of class you find challenging and in which you feel more secure. Can you identify why this is and how you could improve it?

b) Try performing a small series of barre exercises with your eyes closed. Think about what challenges this creates for your body. Repeat the same exercises with your eyes open; do they feel different?

c) When teaching or observing class, pay attention to the cues you/the teacher use(s) and consider whether these could be improved with respect to what you’ve read in relation to balance and proprioception.