December 2008
Talent. It’s a word we use regularly in dance, but what does it actually mean? In Talking Talent (page 45), dance scientist Imogen Walker introduces a new research project that aims to identify the key characteristics of talent in order to address its development. And it doesn’t stop there. Recent studies into the subject strongly suggest that rather than innate ability – long-considered the primary factor behind talent – it is instead the result of perseverance, motivation and sheer hard work, specifically via deliberate practice, a concept that is key to achieving enhanced success in a given field. There’s an obvious crossover when considering the dancefloor prowess of some of the top sportsmen we’ve seen on “Strictly Come Dancing”. This month’s cover star, Austin Healey, and previous successes Darren Gough, Colin Jackson et al, seem to share a level of competitiveness, determination, and a systematic and target-based method of practice that’s honed in their sport and transferred to the dancefloor. This month we’ll see just who takes away the trophy in what will be the end of another brilliant series, and to mark the occasion in this issue there’s up-to-date “Strictly” news, an interview with new star Brian Fortuna, and the chance to win all the latest merchandise in our bumper competition (page 38). Until next month, season’s greetings from everyone at Dancing Times Ltd, and the very best Christmas wishes to all our readers.
Katie Gregory
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| In this month's issue | ||
6 News |
40 Bright young things |
60 Tiscali Cha Cha Cha by Neil and Lesley Marshall Events this month Dance around the UK Exclusive online content On the cover: Erin Boag and Austin Healey in “Strictly Come Dancing”. Photograph © Guy Levy/BBC. |