As dance teachers, we are always telling our pupils to smile when they dance, but we do this to avoid those blank facial expressions you get when they are on stage. On the other side of the coin, you could end up with a cheesy smile with no change in the facials for the entire dance. But did you know that there is scientific evidence that smiling helps to reduce pain?
This article may have affiliate links, which means that the owner of this website will get a commission on qualifying purchases.
Should I Smile When I Dance?
Smiling goes beyond just lifting the corners of your mouth. There’s this awesome connection between your face and your brain that kicks in when you let out a grin. Scientists back it up, saying that smiles can do wonders, like cutting down pain and stress. How wild is that? When you smile, endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—get rolling, making you feel all good inside.
Now think of smiling like a shield against stress. Those who are stressed bring on cortisol and adrenaline. A smile can bring those bad boys down a notch.
It’s not just all talk—there’s legit research showing that a cheerful grin can lower your blood pressure too. Imagine something as simple as a smile helping you live longer and reducing the risk of early death from serious stuff like cancer. That’s some next-level superpower!
But why does smiling have all this mojo? Well, when you’re genuinely smiling, specific muscles wake up, signaling your brain to pump out those feel-good chemicals. It’s like your body’s secret way of keeping you on the sunny side. And if someone, maybe a dance teacher, told you to “smile through the pain,” they were actually onto something. Smiling breaks down walls, both physically and emotionally.
So, next time you’re at a dance class or just living your everyday life, remember this little nugget: that smile on your face isn’t just decoration—it’s a full-body workout for your mental and physical well-being. As quirky as it sounds, your smile is your superpower—wear it proudly and let its magic unfold.
The Importance of Expression in Dance
Ok so as your students get older, they can use their smiles to help them cope, but they need to learn to control their facial expressions and think about what types of emotions they want to portray through their dancing.
Facial expressions play a crucial role in connecting with your audience. Dance isn’t just about perfect technique; it’s about storytelling, and your face is the narrator. When you flash a genuine smile or show intensity, you’re communicating right to the crowd’s heart. Those emotions invite them on the journey with you, making the performance memorable.
Ever heard of the ‘performance face’? Imagine it like conversing with a friend; your expressions are attentive and genuine, not forced or overly dramatic. It’s about having your eyes wide open, maintaining clear, focused eyes, and keeping your mouth slightly open with a relaxed jaw. This ‘aware’ expression keeps your audience engaged, making your performance come alive.
The best dancers know how to balance technique with emotional expression. Sure, you can nail a flawless pirouette, but the real challenge is to tug at the audience’s heartstrings continually. It’s what separates a good performance from a great one. Expressions add layers to your dance, turning steps into stories that resonate.
Facial expression is a skill like any other in dance—it can be mastered through practice. Incorporating acting exercises or improvisation sessions can enhance this skill. You’ll not only improve your performance but also your stage presence and confidence, making you the standout the judges can’t forget.
Individual Personality and Its Role on the Dance Floor
Think about what makes you unique as a dancer. Your personality isn’t just in your footwork—it’s in your expressions too. Finding that sweet spot where your style shines through elevates your dance to a whole new level.
Adding personality to your performances is like sprinkling a bit of magic. Maybe your smile is your spice, the extra kick that makes your rendition unforgettable. There’s nothing quite like seeing a dancer whose expressions are so genuine they light up the entire stage.
I once had a student, Gabi, who exemplified this. She was technically brilliant, but it was her infectious smile that glued audiences to her performance. Gabi’s expressions weren’t just part of her routine; they told her story. People remembered her not just for her skills but for how she made them feel.
Personal expressions can be your secret weapon in standing out, especially in auditions or competitions where judges see countless dancers. They’re looking for that spark, that something different that makes you memorable—your expressions can be it.
Practice with purpose. Work on expressing different emotions while dancing. Connect with the music and let that feeling translate to your expressions. It’s this authenticity that builds your stage presence and helps you leave a lasting impression.
Mastering the Art and Benefits of Smiling While Dancing
Incorporating a smile into your dance isn’t just about looking happy—it’s a full-on tool for enhancing your performance and personal growth. Teaching students how to bring this element into their routines helps them connect more deeply with both the audience and themselves.
Look at facial expressions like any dance move you’ve had to learn. Practicing in front of a mirror, experimenting with different looks, and taking acting or improvisation classes are excellent ways to develop this skill. The aim is to make these expressions second nature while dancing.
A smile can be a powerful aspect of your performance toolkit. It not only communicates joy but cultivates an approachable stage persona that draws people in, building a connection that’s palpable. Plus, let’s face it—smiling just makes you feel good, and that’s infectious.
Beyond the stage, smiling during a dance can help improve emotional intelligence and empathy, crucial skills for any artist. It allows for non-verbal communication that resonates with the audience and enhances the storytelling aspect of dance.
Here is a great book that can help you understand how your face communicates emotion. It is called Acting Face to Face.
So, keep smiling. This simple gesture can boost your mood, health, and how you relate to others on and off the dance floor. Your facial expressions have a ripple effect, making performances memorable and life better.
So I hope that I have answered your question of ‘should I smile when I dance.’
