Mirror Neurons
Karly Pierce Lystad
February 7, 2023
Mirror Neurons & Dance: The Science of How Imitation Helps Us Learn
Have you ever wondered how we can learn from observing others? It turns out that mirror neurons, a unique type of neuron found in the brain, play an important role in this process!
Mirror neurons, a type of brain cell, are often credited with helping us learn by imitation. These specialized neurons fire both when a person performs an action and when they observe someone else performing that same action. This phenomenon of mirroring has been found to play an important role in our ability to empathize, understand, and learn from others. Additionally, they help our dancers connect emotions to their movement, learn choreography, and connect with their fellow dancers!
Mirror Neurons
Mirror neurons are a fascinating area of cognitive neuroscience. When a person performs an action, the mirror neuron fires. Then, the same neuron fires when they observe the action being performed by another person. This suggests that the neural pathways associated with the action are activated when observing someone else performing the action. Aka, they’re mirroring what others are doing. Ultimately, this ability is thought to be the basis for empathy, social skills, and cognitive functions.
How Mirror Neurons Help Us Learn
Understanding mirror neurons can be used to help others learn. For example, when teaching a new concept or skill, it can be helpful to demonstrate it first. This allows the learner to observe the action and activate their mirror neurons. Then, the mirror neurons can then be used to more quickly and accurately replicate the action themselves. Additionally, by observing others performing the action, learners can also pick up on non-verbal cues and improve their own performance. This is true for both conscious and unconscious actions.
There’s even evidence that mirror neurons are activated by sounds! Studies have shown that these neurons fire when hearing a particular sound that’s associated with an action, such as “boing!” and jumping, and can even aid in language development.
Mirror Neurons Can Help Dancers…
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a ground-breaking rhythm & dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs. RWID is committed to helping you meet the needs of all your students. Our program can be used in an array of classes, from dance to music, special education to physical education, and beyond. RWID is here to help you unlock the unique potential of each student in your class.
Check out our different instructor certification options.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and never miss a Quick Tip!
Have you ever wondered how we can learn from observing others? It turns out that mirror neurons, a unique type of neuron found in the brain, play an important role in this process!
Mirror neurons, a type of brain cell, are often credited with helping us learn by imitation. These specialized neurons fire both when a person performs an action and when they observe someone else performing that same action. This phenomenon of mirroring has been found to play an important role in our ability to empathize, understand, and learn from others. Additionally, they help our dancers connect emotions to their movement, learn choreography, and connect with their fellow dancers!
Mirror Neurons
Mirror neurons are a fascinating area of cognitive neuroscience. When a person performs an action, the mirror neuron fires. Then, the same neuron fires when they observe the action being performed by another person. This suggests that the neural pathways associated with the action are activated when observing someone else performing the action. Aka, they’re mirroring what others are doing. Ultimately, this ability is thought to be the basis for empathy, social skills, and cognitive functions.
How Mirror Neurons Help Us Learn
Understanding mirror neurons can be used to help others learn. For example, when teaching a new concept or skill, it can be helpful to demonstrate it first. This allows the learner to observe the action and activate their mirror neurons. Then, the mirror neurons can then be used to more quickly and accurately replicate the action themselves. Additionally, by observing others performing the action, learners can also pick up on non-verbal cues and improve their own performance. This is true for both conscious and unconscious actions.
There’s even evidence that mirror neurons are activated by sounds! Studies have shown that these neurons fire when hearing a particular sound that’s associated with an action, such as “boing!” and jumping, and can even aid in language development.
Mirror Neurons Can Help Dancers…
- Understand and imitate movements
- Learn choreography more quickly.
- Understand the emotions and intentions associated with movements
- Bring emotion and feeling to their performances.
- Understand the reactions of their audience
- Become more aware of and responsive to the energy of the room.
- Connect with their partners
- Create a shared rhythm and feel a sense of unity in their movement.
- Feel a sense of empathy for other dancers and to connect with the audience
- Create a powerful and meaningful experience for both parties.
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a ground-breaking rhythm & dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs. RWID is committed to helping you meet the needs of all your students. Our program can be used in an array of classes, from dance to music, special education to physical education, and beyond. RWID is here to help you unlock the unique potential of each student in your class.
Check out our different instructor certification options.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and never miss a Quick Tip!