Attending live dance performances can synchronize brain activity among audience members, indicating shared focus and social connection, which could enhance our understanding of collective experiences.
A study published in iScience by researchers from University College London (UCL) and the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics reveals that watching live dance synchronizes brainwaves in the delta band, particularly when performers make eye contact. The research involved 59 participants watching a contemporary dance piece titled "Detective Work," choreographed by Seke Chimutengwende.
Using EEG headsets, scientists observed that audience members' brainwaves synchronized more during live performances than when watching the same piece alone or in a group setting. This suggests that the shared experience of live performance fosters collective engagement in ways that recordings cannot replicate. The NEUROLIVE project, a collaboration between UCL, Goldsmiths, University of London, the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, and Siobhan Davies Studios, is investigating the unique quality of being present in a performance since 2020, with a conclusion expected in 2025.
The findings align with previous research indicating that live dance performances enhance neural synchrony among audience members. For example, a 2023 study showed that ballroom dance training promotes neural similarity among dancers. This research highlights the impact of live dance on audience engagement and the unique social and cognitive experiences they offer.
This discovery underscores the power of shared experiences, such as live performances, to connect people on a deeper level. Understanding how our brains synchronize during these events can provide valuable insights into social cohesion and the impact of art on our well-being.