Cognition and Kinesiology: A Dual-Strategy Approach to Remembering Choreography

Abstract

Dancers often have difficulty remembering choreography they see in a class or workshop. This project investigated strategies dancers can use to effectively learn choreography so that they will be more likely to perform it correctly in the future. Using the Nintendo Wii’s Just Dance video game, we developed and tested two new strategies designed to improve dancers’ abilities to cluster movements and organize choreography in ways that made it easier for dancers to remember (Hanna, 2008; Stinson, 1985). The results largely supported the hypothesis that providing dancers with organizational strategies can improve how well dancers remember choreography, a finding that may generalize to other forms of physical learning (e.g. yoga, martial arts, etc.) We conclude by suggesting that the incorporation of organizational strategies in dance-related games may improve usability, increase customer gratification, and maximize the potential health benefits of physical games related to increased physical activity and exercise.