ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the behavioural approach and on cognitive aspects of dance expertise, in particular relating to long-term memory and learning. It addresses the following questions: How are complex full-body movements represented on a higher cognitive level? Also: How is such representation linked to motor control and learning? The chapter refers to a selection of studies that were motivated by, and conducted in collaboration with, dance professionals, to investigate processes of memory and learning in dance. When it comes to memory and learning, dancers stand out as experts, because for them, memory skills themselves are a fundamental part of their expertise. The chapter aims to demonstrate why studying dance is such a fascinating issue for those interested in cognitive aspects of movement, and in particular learning and memory, and how the cognitive effort put into learning and optimizing movement can serve to elaborate dance.
