I'd argue that emotion is just as fundamentally important to good dancing as proper technique. In just the same way that turned-in (i.e. pigeon-toed) feet detract from the overall experience of watching a ballet, a dancer's lack of emotion is equally destructive. Emotion (which can also be thought of as passion) engages in the audience in a way that technique alone cannot: emotion is a universal phenomenon while technique is more clinical, more specific, more precise to only certain people. Of course, emotion alone cannot replace technique but, when paired together, the dancer takes the experience to a whole other level.
Just think about it. When someone tries to get you to donate money to a cause, are you more convinced by rote statistics or by this person's pleading persona? While I'm sure the realists among us would focus on the numbers, I think many of us would be more taken in by the person's need. That is, the emotion from the campaign is what sways us. Of course, if the person doesn't mesh a few neatly disguised facts into his plea, we would find it very difficult to believe him.
The same is true of technique and emotion in dance. One without the other simply isn't strong enough to be convincing.
The most illustrative example I can think of appears on two different seasons of the Lifetime version of "So You Think You Can Dance:" "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition." Asia Monet Ray (season one) is six and possesses all the emotion you could ever want from a professional dancer. However, the judges critique her over and over again on her lack of technique. That being said, she's an incredible dancer, especially considering her age. But her expressive features aren't enough to win her the competition. Why? Her technique just isn't there yet (watch her feet). But also: she's six, so give her a hand for being downright amazing.
The second dancer is from season two of the competition. Her name is McKaylee, and this dance is about Fantine, a character from "Les Misérables." She's meant to be starving, alone, desolate, and desperate. I nearly cried when I watched her dance. Her characterization and emotional execution are spot on, and I could truly believe that she was Fantine (and this from someone who doesn't even like "Les Mis"). Why does this dance work? McKaylee's technique is textbook-perfect, and her facial expressions are beyond beautiful. Okay, so you probably think I'm gushing praise, but seriously. Watch this video, and I promise you'll understand everything.
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