ABSTRACT
The goal in Chapter 3 is to describe the connection between human sensations, body awareness, and cognition—a connection which can be enhanced through the somatic practices. A description of how non-Western body awareness practices have influenced Western somatic thought is included together with various applications in dance and in a more general arena. This part of the chapter is followed with a detailed analysis of body awareness, mind and thought from the phenomenological, psychological, educational, and neuroscience perspectives, together with how such discussions apply to dance. Tuning into bodily sensations also requires learning to pay attention—a skill which is discussed based on non-Western movement practices, somatics, creative process, and dance teaching practices. Finally, mental imagery, an important link in understanding the mind-body connection, increasing body awareness, and perfecting dance movement skills, is explained and analyzed. Many types of imagery are described together with their uses both in and outside the dance sphere, along with applicable research. Again, the chapter concludes with a series of explorations.
