Inquiry: Mirror image

Reflection:

Definition of reflection in English: (the Oxford dictionary)

reflection 

Pronunciation: /rɪˈflɛkʃ(ə)n/ 

NOUN

1[MASS NOUN] The throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbingit:the reflection of light

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1.1[COUNT NOUN] An amount of light, heat, or sound that is reflected by a body or surface:the reflections from the street lamps gave them just enough light

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1.2[COUNT NOUN] An image seen in a mirror or shiny surface:Marianne surveyed her reflection in the mirror

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1.3[COUNT NOUN] A thing that is a consequence of or arises from something else:a healthy skin is a reflection of good health in general

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1.4[IN SINGULAR] A thing bringing discredit to someone or something:it was a sad reflection on society that because of his affliction he was picked on

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2[MASS NOUN] Serious thought or consideration:he doesn’t get much time for reflection

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2.1[COUNT NOUN] An idea about something, especially one that is written down or expressed:reflections on human destiny and art

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3[COUNT NOUN] Mathematics The conceptualoperation of inverting a system or event with 
respect to a plane, each element being transferred perpendicularly through the plane to a point the same distance the other side of it.

Example sentences

The above made me think about the use of mirrors as a reflective tool, be it in our training, an audition or a rehearsal process. They enable us to reflect in action or reflect whilst 'online' by allowing us to see our alignment amongst other things.

How does the use of mirrors affect us other than enabling reflection?

It can enhance the learning process from experiences by allowing us to observe ourselves in practice. Actors often rehearse in front of a mirror so they can see their expression or body actions. Dancers can see if they are wonky and singers can even see if they are straining. It also helps to pick things up quickly in auditions because you can see more.

Negative effects:

Performing skills: can hinder our eye line & focus by becoming distracted or looking at ourselves too much.

Physical skills: could affect our co ordination because we're looking at a reflected image

Memory skills: you could be subconsciously copying other people rather than creating the unconscious tacit knowledge that is muscle memory.

Body image: staring at yourself constantly in a mirror isn't good for anyone, particularly if you're in a leotard and next to 20 other performers. It can make us over analyse our bodies and feel insecure. Instigates comparison and could hinder performance if we are too aware of elements of our bodies that we may not like.


What happens when mirrors are removed?

We may forget the steps
We may go the wrong way
We may lack confidence
We may lose our technique because we can't see it

OR

We perform better technically
Absorb information faster
Improve our skills i.e. lines and shapes
Feel more confident



We can link the use of mirrors in with the use of Web 2.0 mentioned in part 1. They help us to self problem solve like the Internet does via mediums such as Google. Mirrors help dancers to be more self aware and analytical in order to improve their own training. It allows you to become more independent with your learning like this BAPP course does and the web!