What Your Hands Can Tell You About Coordination

Written By Deborah Vogel

A Simple Assessment

There’s a test I come back to regularly—not just with dancers, but on myself.It’s quick.
It’s simple.
And it gives me a surprising amount of information.Especially on days when things feel a little “off.”

First—What Is the Cerebellum?

In very simple terms:The cerebellum is the part of your brain that helps coordinate movementIt helps with:

  • Timing

  • Rhythm

  • Accuracy

  • Smoothness

    It doesn’t create movement.

    👉 It refines movement. So instead of:

  • stiff

  • jerky

  • inconsistent

    You get:

  • smooth

  • controlled

  • efficient

The Test: Rapid Alternating Hands

Try this:

  • Hold one hand out in front of you

  • Quickly alternate:

    • Palm up → palm down → palm up → palm down

Go as fast as you can while staying controlled. Then switch sides.

Here's a clip demonstrating the assessment. My left side was not quite as 'crisp' as my right side.

What You Might Notice

Don’t overthink it—just observe.

One side may feel:

  • smoother

  • faster

  • easier

The other side may feel:

  • slightly clumsy

  • harder to control

  • like it “falls apart” when you speed up

👉 That difference is meaningful.

A Key Insight (This Is Important)

Each side of your cerebellum helps coordinate movement on the same side of your body.So if your right hand feels less coordinated…

👉 That may reflect how your brain is organizing movement on your right side

Why I Personally Pay Attention to This

I’ve noticed a few things over time:

  • If I’m fatigued, this test changes

  • If I haven’t been doing my eye work consistently, this test changes

  • Some days, one side just feels less “clear”

That doesn’t mean something is wrong.

👉 It means my system isn’t as reliable or efficient in that moment.And that often shows up in movement too.

For You as a Teacher

Before you ever use this with students:

👉 Use it on yourself.

Notice:

  • Does one side consistently feel different?

  • Does it change day to day?

  • Does fatigue influence it?

Because once you feel it in your own body…👉 You’ll recognize it instantly in your dancers.

Important Reframe

This is not about:

  • Good side vs bad side

  • Strong vs weak

Instead think:

👉 Clear vs unclear​
👉 Reliable vs less reliable

That language matters—especially when you start using this in class.

To your success,

Deborah

Deborah Vogel
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