What is Attention:
Attention is the ability to choose and focus your awareness on specific stimuli. Many different neurological sub-processes combine to create our ability for attention. Six different types of attention have been identified and defined by studies:
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Arousal: Refers to our activation level and level of alertness, whether we are tired or energized.
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Focused Attention: Refers to our ability to focus attention on a stimulus.
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Sustained Attention: The ability to attend to a stimulus or activity over a long period of time.
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Selective Attention: The ability to attend to a specific stimulus or activity in the presence of other distracting stimuli.
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Alternating Attention: The ability to change focus attention between two or more stimuli.
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Divided Attention: The ability to attend different stimuli or attention at the same time.
Some examples of areas attention can be applied include: technique, competition, emotion, playfulness, presence, dynamism, dreamscape, connection, disassociation, internal, external, sensuality, co-creation, musicality, rhythm, breath, the sensorium, storytelling, plot twists, acting, and so much more!
The Purpose of Attention:
Why Attention Matters:
Where and how you choose to use your attention will set the tone and intention of a dance. It will affect the nature of the dance and the nature of your connection with a partner.
Concepts for further exploration within Attention include:
- Exploring the Eight Senses and Orientation
- Breath
- Stillness (and movement in stillness)
- Meditation
- Listening
- Presence
- Freezes & Stops
- Quality of Attention]
- Placement of attention (where is your focus) Focal Initiation
- Call and Response
- Playfulness and lag
- Improv Theater (see Emotional Expression & Story)
- Telling a story (see Emotional Expression & Story)