Dance Criticism: Neuroscience, Training, and Self-Media

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of professional dance training, neuroscience, and dance criticism within the context of the self-media era. As digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok democratize dance critique by allowing a broader array of voices to contribute, the role of professional expertise has come into question. Through an examination of the neural mechanisms involved in movement perception, this research reveals that critics with professional dance training possess a heightened kinesthetic awareness, which enables them to offer more detailed and nuanced evaluations of performances. Specifically, the study delves into how the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and mirror neuron system are activated in trained individuals, allowing them to perceive subtle aspects of balance, timing, and muscular control that may elude untrained critics.

While self-media platforms have significantly broadened the accessibility of dance criticism, this research underscores the enduring importance of professional expertise in maintaining the depth and quality of critique. It argues that without the technical understanding and embodied knowledge that come from formal training, critiques risk being superficial, focusing more on emotional reactions or entertainment value than on the intricate technical and artistic elements that define high-quality performances.

This study advocates for a balanced approach in the evolving digital landscape—one that embraces the inclusivity of self-media while also recognizing the essential contribution of expert analysis. By integrating professional training with the wide-reaching platforms of self-media, the field of dance criticism can evolve in a way that maintains both accessibility and rigor, ensuring that diverse perspectives and deep technical insight coexist to enrich the discourse on dance as an art form.