THE importance of musical intelligence can sometimes be overlooked in the drive for technical accomplishment, and yet it is an essential component of a dancer’s toolkit. Musicality is a “sensitivity to, knowledge of, or talent for music” (according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary). Another definition, specific to dance, is “the ability of a dancer to become one with the music”.
So just what does it mean to be a musical dancer?
Archibald McKenzie is the Principal of Alegria Dance Studios in Sydney and an accomplished classical and contemporary pianist and accompanist. “Music is a universal element in all dancing,” he states. “Even in the rare cases where there are no instruments or voices involved, there is almost always a rhythmic element to the choreographic performance.
“Being able to interact precisely, intelligently and expressively with the rhythm, phrasing and emotional expression of the music is essential both from a practical point of view for a good career in dance, but
