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Abstract

Dance is a rich source of material for researchers interested in the integration of movement and cognition. The multiple aspects of embodied cognition involved in performing and perceiving dance have inspired scientists to use dance as a means for studying motor control, expertise, and action-perception links. The aim of this review is to present basic research on cognitive and neural processes implicated in the execution, expression, and observation of dance, and to bring into relief contemporary issues and open research questions. The review addresses six topics: 1) dancers’ exemplary motor control, in terms of postural control, equilibrium maintenance, and stabilization; 2) how dancers’ timing and on-line synchronization are influenced by attention demands and motor experience; 3) the critical roles played by sequence learning and memory; 4) how dancers make strategic use of visual and motor imagery; 5) the insights into the neural coupling between action and perception yielded through exploration of the brain architecture mediating dance observation; and 6) a neuroaesthetics perspective that sheds new light on the way audiences perceive and evaluate dance expression. Current and emerging issues are presented regarding future directions that will facilitate the ongoing dialogue between science and dance.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Acta Psychologica. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as editing, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in ACTA PSYCHOLOGICA, VOL 139, ISSUE 2, February 2012 DOI 10.1016/j.actpsy.2011.12.005
Publisher Keywords:	Social Sciences, Psychology, Experimental, Psychology, PSYCHOLOGY, EXPERIMENTAL, Motor control, Memory, Action observation network, Imagery, Motor simulation, Synchronization, Esthetics, PROFESSIONAL BALLET DANCERS, ACTION OBSERVATION NETWORK, BODY SWAY FREQUENCIES, EXPERT DANCERS, CLASSICAL DANCE, MOMENTUM-TRANSFER, POSTURAL CONTROL, WORKING-MEMORY, MENTAL-IMAGERY, MOVEMENT
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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