Creative visualization. Interesting concept more applicable to structured ballroom dance than Argentine Tango. It is certainly useful should the intent be the development and execution of a choreographed dance routine.
The studies I've read look ALMOST exclusively at ballet, modern dance, and jazz. (There are some survey-type studies with a mix of dance styles, ballrom, latin, salsa, Highland dancing, etc...) For sure, there is a great deal of choreography in these forms, but there is also a large improvisational element in some of them.
There is no evidence (as far as I know) in the scientific literature to support visualization as beneficial for social dancers in an embrace. That's because the studies haven't been done - probably too hard to set up a study of social dancers and quantitatively measure improvement (or not). It is much easier to engage a few pro dance companies and university dance departments than several hundred part time social dancers. It would be a fun study to do though! Along the format of one study I read: Each dancer was filmed at the start of the study, then again after a period of time (3 months?) of deliberate imaging. Qualified judges then reviewed both films (but not always in the actual order they were recorded!). The judges’ scores/comments were processed with a battery of statistical analysis to quantitatively measure changes for each dancer.
It is possibly useful in early teaching.
Useful from day one and throughout one's dancing life. The survey-type studies found the better, most experienced dancers, visualize and use imagery the most.
Rather useless in the dynamic context of an Argentine Tango at a crowded milonga.
Maybe, but not necessarily. Time will tell...for me
How would you ever creatively visualize the infinitely variable?
The studies show the most effective way to benefit is make the visualization as real as possible. Draw on past experience: recall sights, sounds, surroundings, the embrace, walking, turning, etc., etc., etc… By utilizing your past physical experiences and sensations, consciously control, manipulate, and improve them while visualizing dancing. Studies say to layer the visualization.
Here's what I've been doing to practice dancing in a milonga, when I can’t actually be there:
1) I imagine being in my favourite milonga hall. It is empty except for me. I see the tables, the stage, the exits, the walls and windows. The lighting is dim and there is tango music (I either turn on my tango playlist or hear it in my head from memory)
2) I am still alone. I get the beat, do a few weight transfers in place then step. I dance, taking simple steps, concentrating on posture and my walk. I hear the music. I move in the line of dance. I navigate the corners. I see my surroundings and myself moving within them.
3) I add a follower. Is she short, tall, or my height? I choose one. We embrace. I concentrate on how that feels. I lead some weight transfer in place. We dance. I now become more aware of leading and my follower’s responses. I hear the music and navigate us in the line of dance.
4) I add other couples. Not distinct bodies and faces – more of an impression that they are all around me. I don’t try to control their movement; just let them move around the floor with no direction from me.
Sounds bizarre and “new agey”? Yah, I know. That’s why I went to academic, peer-reviewed studies (whenever possible) instead of blogs and books. I want the science not the hype and marketing. (No doubt there are good blogs and books too.) One often-cited study of sports-related activities concluded there is a
"FUNCTIONAL EQUIVALENCE" between imagery and physical practice. Most studies conclude there is a benefit to deliberate imaging, as there is to deliberate physical practice. So why not take advantage of the findings?
Anyone who’s interested in the research should start with Jennifer Cumming. She seems to be the academic, scientific, expert on imagery in dance. Read her work and follow up on her references and citations. Some studies are available free, others require a subscription. Any university prof. or student likely has free access to the journals.
If I could physically practice with a variety of partners an hour or two every day plus go to a couple milongas a week, I would. Being able to visualize almost anywhere, any time, is a handy alternative.