Facial Expressions in Dance: How to Tell a Story Without Words

Why Performance Quality Is Just as Important as Technique

Have you ever watched a dancer and felt completely drawn into their performance? It wasn’t just their technique—it was their expression that made their dancing come to life! Dance is more than just movement; it’s storytelling. And your face plays a big part in that story!

Whether you’re performing a joyful jazz routine, an emotional contemporary piece, or a fierce hip-hop number, your facial expressions help your audience understand and connect with your dance. Here’s how you can use your face to bring your performance to life!

1. Know the Emotion Behind Your Dance

Before you step on stage, ask yourself:  What is this dance about?  How does the music make me feel?  What emotions do I want the audience to feel?

For example:  A happy, upbeat routine? Smile brightly and let your energy shine!  A sad or emotional piece? Use softer eyes and show emotion in your face.  A powerful, dramatic dance? Show intensity with strong eyes and bold expressions!

2. Use Your Eyes to Connect with the Audience

Your eyes are the most expressive part of your face!

Look Up and Out – Don’t stare at the floor! Lift your head and engage with the audience. Use “Smiling Eyes” - even if you’re not smiling with your mouth, your eyes should reflect the mood of the dance.  Avoid Blank Faces - a lifeless expression makes even the best dancing look boring. Keep your face alive and engaged!

3. Match Your Face to Your Movements

Every movement in dance has feeling and purpose—your face should reflect that!

Big, sharp moves? Show excitement or intensity in your face! 

Soft, flowing movements? Use gentle expressions to match. 

High-energy choreography? Let your face shine with enthusiasm!

Your facial expressions should feel natural, not forced. Instead of “faking it,” focus on truly feeling the emotion of the dance!

4. Practice Your Expressions in the Mirror

Dancers train their bodies—so why not train their faces too?

Try this:

Dance your routine in front of a mirror and watch your expressions. Do they match the emotion of the dance? Film yourself and review how your face looks while dancing.  Try over-exaggerating your expressions—it might feel silly, but on stage, bigger expressions are better!

5. Engage with the Audience and Have Fun!

The audience wants to connect with you! Show them your passion and let them feel what you feel.

A confident smile can light up the whole stage.  A fierce stare can give your performance power.  A soft expression can bring deep emotion to your dance.

Your face is part of your performance—so use it!

Let’s Bring Your Dancing to Life!

Dance isn’t just about technique—it’s about telling a story. Using facial expressions makes your dancing unforgettable!