Dance Journal Prompts: Body Awareness and Technique

Dance journaling can be a powerful tool for reflection, growth, and creativity.

Not a writer? That’s okay, consider making a collage, taking a picture, or any other method that helps you reflect.

Body Awareness and Technique Prompts

Check-in: Check-in before and after class. How does your body feel today? Are there any areas of tension or discomfort or do you feel relaxed? Do you feel strong today? Do you feel energized or tired?

Taking on a Challenge: Describe a movement or sequence you find particularly challenging. What makes it difficult? Create a 3-step plan that helps you tackle this challenge.

Breathing and Movement: How do you integrate your breath into your dancing? Are there moments when you forget to breathe? How can breath support your movement?

Sensations During Movement: As you move through different exercises, what sensations do you feel in your muscles, joints, and skin? How does this awareness impact the quality of your movement?

Mind-Body Connection: When you dance, how aware are you of the connection between your mind and body? Are there moments where they feel disconnected? How can you strengthen that connection?

Exploring Dynamics: Think of a movement you typically perform with a specific dynamic (e.g., sharp or smooth). How would changing the dynamic affect the way you execute the movement? What does this reveal about your control and technique?

Balance and Stability: Reflect on your sense of balance and stability in dance. Are there particular movements or positions where you feel unstable? How might improving your core strength or mental focus help?

Spatial Awareness: Consider your use of space while dancing. How aware are you of your surroundings and your placement within them? How does this awareness influence your movement quality? How might this awareness (or lack there of) impact others in the room?

Challenges in Flexibility: If flexibility is something you are working on, how do you approach improving it in your technique? Are there any mental or physical barriers you encounter?

Expressing Emotion Through Technique: How do you use your dance technique to express emotions? Are there moments where technique feels restrictive, or does it enhance your ability to communicate feeling?

Listening to Your Body: Are there moments when your body is telling you to slow down or modify movements? How do you respond to these signals while maintaining technique?

Improvisation and Technique: When you improvise, how does your dance technique influence your movement choices? Do you feel free or constrained by your technical training?