Synchronous Movement

Abstract

Dance generates synchronization of movement between people. Brain areas devoted to dance have specialized functions that facilitate synchronization. One such area, the premotor cortex, allows us to visualize a movement after viewing its performance by another person. Visualization helps us imagine how we will perform the perceived movement. We can correctly execute a movement after imagining how we will do it. Through visualization in the premotor cortex, and subsequent execution, we can replicate movement, allowing for synchronization with others. Our ability to synchronize movement suggests that dance evolved to strengthen social bonds.