Unraveling individuality in dance through weight distribution analysis of Nihon Buyo dancers

In an age where dance has taken over social media trends, misconceptions about what it takes to become a skilled dancer may be hindering the progress of new learners. One prevalent belief is that students naturally mimic their teachers' movements, which can be measured as weight distribution, as they improve, but it is unclear whether their movements actually become more similar over time. In this study, we investigated this assumption in the context of Nihon Buyo dance by testing the hypothesis that as dancers train, they develop a distinct weight distribution profile, separate from their teacher's. By utilizing an advanced floor interface that tracks movement with high sensitivity, we monitored dancers over nine weeks of practice. Our findings revealed that learners initially exhibit a weight distribution profile distinct from their teacher’s that develops to a unique, personal profile rather than to their teacher's. Our study underscores the individuality of each dancer's style and suggests that dance education should emphasize personal expression over strict imitation. It might also motivate teachers to use more adaptable teaching strategies that help students develop their unique movement patterns.