Please let me explain. "Chunking" is a new verb. It is a
scientific word. It means breaking down a movement into its
series of mini-movements so that someone learning it can learn
it more accurately and faster, and build the right neural
pathways. Like a ballet class, or a ballet exercise.
Neuroscientists use this word. Try not to think "chunky" because
to a dancer "chunky" is a very threatening idea.
I am trying to be serious and academic about this but the verb
"chunking" is too funny.
Brandeis University's Volen Center for Complex Systems published
a study "Monkey See Monkey Do". It attended to the lack of
research on imitative learning, which has apparently been
neglected, in favor of studies in verbal learning, even though
we learn more through imitation than by words. The study notes
that:
"Several strategies may help leverage a learner's attention and
motivate imitative learning. Organizing the motor skill practice
is key. For example, Sekuler, an expert on the neural and
cognitive terrain of visual memory, says that breaking down a
behavioral sequence into chunks can aid imitation learning, just
as chunking can help us memorize a string of seemingly unrelated
digits or other material. Agam and Sekuler have their sights set
on identifying strategies that teachers and coaches could use to
make complex actions more "chunkable," and therefore easier to
imitate.
The researchers' long-term goal is to devise simple methods that
will allow teachers and coaches to take any arbitrary complex
action that they want to teach--like that series of dance steps
or that perfect golf swing, and then re-package that action into
components that make for optimal learning."
If the researchers had watched a classical ballet, and then a
ballet class, they would see a supreme example of chunking.
Don't you just love that word? All those pre-pointe routines
make pointe work chunkable.
The gazillion degages are chunking the aspired to, smooth,
floating, gliding glissade. The stretchy, elastic,
muscle-elicious fondu in adage are chunks of grand allegro.
The quick footwork exercises at the ballet barre are chunkettes
of petit allegro.
I do not mean to diss brain research but I find this hilarious.
So please appreciate the careful chunking that your ballet
teachers are so good at, in helping you develop organized
thought patterns, build neural pathways and build strength in
your ballet shoes and pointe shoes.
The best example of chunking that I know right now is
manual, which chunks perfectly for pre-pointe practise and
essential ballet technique for all.
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