Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurotype that affects how a person processes language, sequences, and sometimes working memory. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence and is often linked to strong creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking.
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In dance, dyslexic dancers often shine through movement intuition, musicality, spatial awareness, and creative expression, but may need small adjustments for learning sequences, remembering terminology, or following complex verbal instructions.
On This Page...
Key Traits Through a Dance Lens
How differences in working memory, sequencing, language processing, directionality, sensory load, and strengths may shape the learning experience of dyslexic dancers.
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What Dancers Need Most From Teachers
Practical teaching approaches that reduce memory demand, strengthen visual and multi-sensory learning, and support confident, creative participation in dance.
Key Traits Through a Dance Lens
1. Working Memory Differences
Working memory is the ability to hold and use information at the same time, which can affect how dancers process instructions in the moment.
In the studio this may look like:
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Difficulty remembering long combinations
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Needing more repetition to retain steps
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Forgetting instructions that are given verbally
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Mixing up left and right
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Losing track of instructions while moving
What helps:
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Break down choreography into smaller chunks
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Demonstrate visually rather than relying on verbal cues
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Repeat patterns of steps and floor pathways consistently
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Use “call and response” teaching. You demonstrate, they copy, repeating the same section multiple times before moving on.
2. Sequencing & Order Processing
Dyslexic dancers may find it challenging to remember the order of movements or understand how sections of a routine fit together.
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In the studio this may look like:
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Mixing up step sequences
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Starting exercises at the wrong place
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Difficulty with complex across-the-floor patterns
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Struggling with class routines (e.g. barre order)
What helps:
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Use colour-coded or visual step markers
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Keep sequences predictable and gradually build complexity
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Provide written or video versions to preview at home
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Repeat the sequence using the same wording each time
3. Language & Terminology Processing
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written and spoken words. This does not mean dancers are not listening, they simply process language differently.
In the studio this may look like:
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Difficulty remembering terminology
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Mishearing feedback or corrections
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Struggling with fast-paced verbal instructions
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Mixing up similar-sounding steps
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Difficulty reading choreography notes
What helps:
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Use clear, simple language
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Demonstrate physically rather than verbally explaining
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Pair language with movement (say it and show it)
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Use images, icons, or short written cues instead of full sentences
4. Directionality (Left/Right & Spatial Orientation)
This is extremely common among dyslexic individuals.
In the studio this may look like:
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Swapping left and right in routines
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Confusion with mirroring vs. same-side teaching
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Moving the wrong way during travelling patterns
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Difficulty navigating formations
What helps:
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Wear a wristband on the “stage left” hand
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Use colours instead of directions (red for left, green for right)
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Use cones or floor markers
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Teach facing away from dancers so that they are following from behind rather than mirroring
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Allow time to practice directions alone before performing with the group
5. Sensory & Processing Overload
Dyslexic learners can experience information overload, especially when instructions come too quickly or from too many sources at once.
In the studio this may look like:
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Freezing during complex tasks
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Appearing to “switch off”
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Frustration or overwhelm
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Difficulty listening when music is also playing
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Rushing movements due to processing stress
What helps:
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Slow down explanations
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Pause music while giving instructions
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Use short phrases. Arms first. Now legs. Now connect them.
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Check understanding through demonstration, not verbal questioning
6. Passions, Focus & Strengths
Dyslexic individuals excel in many areas that are incredibly valuable in dance:
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Creative, original movement
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Strong visual-spatial awareness
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Big-picture understanding of choreography
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Excellent musicality and rhythm awareness
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Strong improvisation & expressive artistry
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Pattern recognition when taught visually
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High empathy and storytelling ability
Many dyslexic dancers become exceptional choreographers because they think in images, patterns, and concepts.
What Dancers Need Most From Teachers
Visual instruction
Clear visual demonstrations support understanding more effectively than long verbal explanations alone.
Chunked teaching
Presenting information in small, digestible sections reduces overload and supports confident learning.
Repetition with consistency
Using the same cues, structure, and teaching language helps dancers recognise patterns and retain information.
Multi-sensory cues
Combining visual, auditory, and tactile cues (such as floor markers) reinforces learning through multiple pathways.
Options for written or video materials
Providing access to written notes or video demonstrations supports independent review of choreography and terminology.
Extra processing time
Allowing space to think before responding or moving helps dancers process information without pressure.
A strengths-first approach
Recognising and celebrating creativity, expressiveness, and pattern-based thinking builds confidence and engagement.
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When teachers reduce memory load and support learning through clear structure, consistency, and visual cues, dyslexic dancers can focus on expression, creativity, and connection in dance.