2018/08/12 by Daichi Shimizu, Takeshi Okada · 1 citation
Psychology · #Creativity in Education and Neuroscience #Diversity and Impact of Dance #Sport Psychology and Performance
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/cogs.12668
openalex publication_date 2018/08/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
How do expert performers practice as they develop creatively? This study investigated the processes involved in the practice of new skills by expert breakdancers. A great deal of evidence supports the theory of "deliberate practice" (Ericsson, Krampe, & Tesch-Römer, 1993, Psychological Review, 100, 363) in skill acquisition; however, expert creative performers may emphasize other forms of practice for skill development. Four case studies collected through fieldwork and laboratory observation were analyzed to evaluate expert dancers' practice processes as they developed proficiency in new, specific skills. We focused on three aspects of learning: the degree of skill acquisition, the content of skills included in practice, and dancers' stated purposes for practicing. The results showed that dancers' practice improved skills (as suggested by deliberate practice) and engaged the exploration of new, original skills, along with coordinating skills within performance. In their practice, these dance experts went beyond deliberative practice to highly exploratory processes for skill development.