Eye focus is a tremendously important aspect in developing all of our dance skills. We always want to remember the saying, “eyes are the window to the soul.” Our eyes reveal emotion, intention and can play an important role in our balance and control.
We most often think of eye focus when we work on turning actions. Here we talk about methods of “spotting”, or maintaining a focus on a particular thing or place as we set up a turn and then returning to this same place when we complete the turn. These methods help us to control our turns and reduce dizziness.
While spotting is an important idea and skill, equally important is maintaining eye focus in a more general way. We will avoid looking lost (even if we are) and can change our look and actual lead and follow. The following are three simple ways to think of focus, if you can use these three things you might be surprised to see how improved your overall dancing will be
- Partner Focus: When we are able and it is natural to, we can look directly at our partner. If you find this direct eye contact uncomfortable, try striking up a conversation. It is very natural to look directly at someone when you are talking or listening to them.
- External Focus: When your partner is not directly in front of you, focus on something a short distance in front of you and at eye level. Try to make the point of focus as small as possible to avoid the “wandering eye” look.
- Internal Focus: This type of focus is used the least. It is often used to suggest an emotional moment in performance dancing, or to suggest awareness of a partner beside or behind you. It is often describe as a thoughtful or introspective focus because you are trying to focus internally, peering into the depths of your own soul.
Jeff Nelson is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to take lessons with Jeff or any of our teachers please call 989-9788
