Abstract The concept of a single embodied centre is an important part of modern dance training and aesthetics, and is particularly applicable to spinal movement. Polycentrism, a concept that has arisen though analysis of Africanist dance aesthetics, can also be identified in contemporary dance. Polycentric aspects of spinal connectivity are supported by somatic and biomechanical studies, and offer additional possibilities for movement aesthetics, efficiency and health. How might our pedagogies, aesthetics and world-view integrate polycentric approaches to spinal connectivity?