The Relationship of Habit to Dance Training

Abstract

Abstract Functional Awareness (FA) is a practice in embodied anatomy to deepen understanding of movement function, improve dynamic alignment, and enhance expressivity and artistry required in any form of dance. The approach investigates information about the skeletal structure, the muscle structure, and the myofascial tissue to help sustain elasticity, flexibility, and efficiency in movement. Chapter 1 presents the major bones in the human body as well as key principles for improving awareness to prevent misalignment of the skeletal structure. The authors introduce the concept that small daily unconscious habits can have an impact on dance training and create undesired tension. The skeletal system is the foundational information needed to develop skills in anatomical visualization that can improve dance skills and develop ease in action in daily life. Guided movement explorations in this chapter help the reader discover personal applications for the content in daily life and in dance training.