Lighten Up: Postural Instruction Affects Connection, Confidence, and Enjoyment in Partner Dancing
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Rajal Cohen (Mentor), University of Idaho
Abstract
Posture is emphasized in social dance instruction, but research regarding the effects of postural instruction on dance is limited. Previous studies with older adults found that postural instructions emphasizing lightness improved dynamic balance, whereas instructions emphasizing effort interfered with balance control. This study investigates the impact of different postural instructions given to dance leaders on the experience of both leaders and followers in social swing dancing.
This study uses a repeated measures design with 30 pairs of participants (aged 60+) to investigate how postural instructions impact dance experience. The study comprises a multi-stage dance lesson, with each stage including a baseline trial followed by three counterbalanced trials using Light, Effortful, and Relaxed postural instructions. Participants fill out surveys to evaluate their connection, confidence, and enjoyment after each trial. Responses will be analyzed using a 4x4 repeated-measures ANOVA.
Preliminary findings from 11 dyads suggest that leaders prefer the Light postural instructions, whereas Relaxed postural instructions result in the lowest ratings in both leaders and followers. Long term benefits from this line of research could extend beyond dance to every interaction that involves touch, from parenting to coaching to medical care.
Lighten Up: Postural Instruction Affects Connection, Confidence, and Enjoyment in Partner Dancing
Posture is emphasized in social dance instruction, but research regarding the effects of postural instruction on dance is limited. Previous studies with older adults found that postural instructions emphasizing lightness improved dynamic balance, whereas instructions emphasizing effort interfered with balance control. This study investigates the impact of different postural instructions given to dance leaders on the experience of both leaders and followers in social swing dancing.
This study uses a repeated measures design with 30 pairs of participants (aged 60+) to investigate how postural instructions impact dance experience. The study comprises a multi-stage dance lesson, with each stage including a baseline trial followed by three counterbalanced trials using Light, Effortful, and Relaxed postural instructions. Participants fill out surveys to evaluate their connection, confidence, and enjoyment after each trial. Responses will be analyzed using a 4x4 repeated-measures ANOVA.
Preliminary findings from 11 dyads suggest that leaders prefer the Light postural instructions, whereas Relaxed postural instructions result in the lowest ratings in both leaders and followers. Long term benefits from this line of research could extend beyond dance to every interaction that involves touch, from parenting to coaching to medical care.