A study from the University of Colorado Boulder has shown that when two people dance Argentine tango, their brains synchronize. Researchers measured the brain activity of five couples using electroencephalograms and motion sensors on their ankles. The results show that when moving in unison, brain waves become similar, a phenomenon called interbrain coupling or neural synchronization.
How technology measures neural connection in dance 🧠
The team from the University of Colorado Boulder used electroencephalograms to record the brain activity of each dancer as they moved. Additionally, they placed motion sensors on the ankles to capture the precision of the steps. The data revealed that when the leader takes a step and the follower responds in less than 200 milliseconds, the brain waves rise and fall almost simultaneously. This interbrain coupling suggests that physical coordination generates neural harmony between people.
The perfect excuse not to step on your partner 💃
Now bad dancers have a scientific argument to justify their missteps: it's not a lack of rhythm, it's that their brain waves didn't synchronize with their partner's. So next time you step on someone on the dance floor, you can say with all seriousness that it was a failure in interbrain coupling. Of course, make sure your interlocutor has read the study, or you'll end up with a swollen foot and no dance partner.