I dance. I also watch dances. It is my hobby and I have no need to do it professionally (lucky me).
I developed my own system to analyze dances, so that I can appreciate dances more, dance better, as well as I can diagnose and compensate (in social or stage dances) partner if necessary.
I have not disclosed my system in a comprehensive manner, although, maybe in this blog some parts were mentioned here and there.
But there is a book (in Japanese) by a sport coach/instructor who dared to publicize his system to analyze and judge sports motions for better performance.
The author is Daisuke Sato. He was an award-winning coach for Japan Rugby association, also coaching various other sports (running, soccer, baseball, basketball, etc). The book "Anatomy of physical motions" (in my translation) was published in 2023.
Here is my summary of his message.
[Nine parameters to analyze the 3 layers of performance pillar]
Systematic viewing has merits. Each parameter can be analyzed separately and can be judged as a strong point or a weak point. By adopting his system, it makes it easier to see why some dances are great, and where you/they can work to improve.
Also, skills, techniques, ability and foundation are poorly distinguished by most.
His system can nicely explain away many confusions and questions.
Such as;
Q: Why dances by very muscular guy or fat/curvy people tend to have diminished appeal?
A: Too much muscle/fat can obscure visible lines.
Q: I work on embellishments as a follow, but can hardly use them. Why?
A: Two possibilities. Your lead may not be giving enough time or support for your embellishments (his skill issue), or you may not have the skill to identify when to use them (your skill issue).
Q: I have been dancing Tango for a long time, but my dance does not look as good as I want.
A: Many possibilities and that is why dance coaching should be done in person. But, the "look" issue is usually tied with how you present your lines (posture) and your knowledge on Tango (technique demonstration). Only when you master and can show your techniques, the next level (i.e., skill issue) comes in to the picture.
.....
(To be clear, these hypothetical Q & A are my writing, not his.)
His system is highly convincing to me. I am going to merge his sports performance-oriented system to my more dance-oriented system. There will be some modifications needed. As two people are involved in partner dancing, we need to run this performance analysis for two people at once, for example.
In case of Tango dancing, a few days ago I wrote a comment on a video for adornos (embellishments).
"These adornos (embellishments) are techniques. Use these techniques at the appropriate time is a skill. Practicing techniques and improving skills so that you can dance Tango is passion."
When people use the word passion, it can cover and mean many different things. In my book, passion is most involved in why you are even doing all these.
In other words, passion is an element of foundation.
I almost added another line to the above comment;
"And saying 'but, but, I am feeling so much. I measure Tango by how I feel!' without showing any sign of techniques or skills is emo."
I am a scientist. I tend to seek supporting evidence for a claim. As dancing is very visual, evidence is presented right here (or not).
Perhaps, that is a reason I love dancing.
