tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4053430807670822229.post206486507079844383..comments2023-07-31T05:57:09.189-07:00Comments on noise and signal: Dance is Brain FoodSonia Lyrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972394773253330964noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4053430807670822229.post-15108860019812884692014-08-17T12:25:22.367-07:002014-08-17T12:25:22.367-07:00Bravo for this provocative post! The PhD (philoso...Bravo for this provocative post! The PhD (philosophically handicapped dancer) is one who actually believes "leading" and "following" describes what is happening in improvisational dance. It is not. The sad thing is that "leaders" are being trained NOT to listen. Just as much listening should be going on with the traditional male/female roles. I would love to see the research on what happens with beginner men who are told they are not leaders, and that the MUSIC is the leader. What would happen if "leaders" (I call them "Listener guides") were told to listen to the leader (music) and how the woman interprets intention (la marca). I have long written about my experience as a Listener Guide, but have been discounted by teachers and "followers" who think that it's a good name. It is not: If the goal is making money, being valued more, having more status in the military--it's best not to be a "follower." What a degrading term. Worse that that, it is an inaccurate term that causes poor outcomes, including men feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility. It is NOT a compliment to hear a woman say, "Wow, that was great." I say, "What happened was both of us listening to the music," and then she says convincingly: "I just followed you." Great for the ego? No. Later if it doesn't go well, she's blaming the "leader." Praise for men, as it now stands is a double edged sword. I don't mind being 50% responsible for wonderful or terrible outcomes, but 100% is only because of PhD's just not knowing that their cognitions are limiting what improvisational dance is all about.Tango Therapisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12548118004604256736noreply@blogger.com