When you practice - or teach - a dance movement, take into consideration that a movement is constituted by 3 aspects: its FORM, its FUNCTION and the SENSATION it creates on the mover/dancer.
The FORM is the shape of the movement. It is how it looks – or how it should look - like. It is related to the aesthetics of the movement itself. It is its visual component.
The FUNCTION is the mechanism of the movement. It is related to the technique of the movement but also to its practical benefits. In the field of fitness and well-being the functional aspect of the movement is more important than the aesthetics of it.
The SENSATION is related to how the movement makes you feel. Is it a pleasant movement? Do you feel pain while executing the movement? Some movements are playful to do, others are technically demanding and make us tired, others help relieve the pain, and so on. Very often, the sensation that one specific movement produces in our bodies changes over time. One movement that used to feel odd can now feel comfortable.
Extra tip for teachers: If you are a dance teacher these three aspects are a great tool to consider in your class. Some students enrol in a dance class because they love the aesthetics of the dance (FORM), others because their doctor told them that dance will fix their posture or that they need it to improve coordination (FUNCTION), others because they simply enjoy dancing (SENSATION). By understanding these differences you will be better equipped to deliver a dance class that suits the needs and wants of your students.
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