The Physical Language of Dance

Abstract

Dance is a uniquely human behaviour. Performing dance is a predominantly physical expression, yet it involves Broca's area—a brain region typically associated with speech production. The activation of Broca's area suggests that dance is a form of communication. Dancers' movements are communicative expressions. Observing a dancer's movements is a predominantly visual experience, yet it activates brain regions associated with movement, indicating comprehension of these movements. An observer interprets a dancer's movements the same way a listener interprets a speaker's words. Dance's resemblance to spoken language suggests that it is a powerful tool for human connection.