by Karen Clippinger
Published 2007
£42.50 incl. p&p
Instructs dancers in basic anatomical and biomechanical principles as they apply to the
dancer in action. The illustrated text focuses on optimal dance movement and related
principles for understanding the function of body parts. By applying those principles,
dancers improve their technique, helping reduce the risk of injury and thus extending
the potential of a performing career. An invaluable reference book for students and
professionals, this substantial book is an important addition to any dance library
shelf.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. The Skeletal System and Its Movements
Primary Tissues of the Body
Bone Composition and Structure
Bone Development and Growth
The Human Skeleton
Joint Architecture
Body Orientation Terminology
Joint Movement Terminology
Skeletal Considerations in Whole Body Movement
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Chapter 2. The Muscular System
Skeletal Muscle Structure and Function
Microstructure of Skeletal Muscle and Muscle Contraction
Muscle Architecture
Muscle Attachments to Bone
Muscles, Levers, and Rotary Motion
Types of Muscle Contraction (Tension)
Muscular Considerations in Whole Body Movement
Learning Muscle Names and Actions
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Chapter 3. The Spine
Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Spine
Joint Structure and Movements of the Vertebral Column
Description and Functions of Individual Muscles of the Spine
Ideal Spinal Alignment and Common Deviations
Spinal Mechanics
Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Spinal Movements
Key Considerations for the Spine in Whole Body Movement
Special Considerations for the Spine in Dance
Conditioning Exercises for the Spine
Back Injuries in Dancers
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Chapter 4. The Pelvic Girdle and Hip Joint
Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Hip Region
Joint Structure and Movements of the Pelvic Girdle
Joint Structure and Movements of the Hip
Description and Functions of Individual Hip Muscles
Alignment and Common Deviations of the Hip Region
Pelvic and Hip Mechanics
Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Hip Movements
Key Considerations for the Hip in Whole Body Movement
Special Considerations for the Hip in Dance
Conditioning Exercises for the Hip
Hip Injuries in Dancers
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Chapter 5. The Knee and Patellofemoral Joints
Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Knee Region
Joint Structure and Movements of the Knee
Description and Functions of Individual Knee Muscles
Knee Alignment and Common Deviations
Knee Mechanics
Joint Structure and Movements of the Patellofemoral Joint
Patellofemoral Alignment and the Q Angle
Patellofemoral Mechanics
Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Knee Movements
Key Considerations for the Knee in Whole Body Movement
Special Considerations for the Knee in Dance
Conditioning Exercises for the Knee
Knee Injuries in Dancers
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Chapter 6. The Ankle and Foot
Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Ankle and Foot
Joint Structure and Movements of the Ankle and Foot
Description and Functions of Individual Muscles of the Ankle and Foot
Alignment and Common Deviations of the Ankle and Foot
Mechanics of the Ankle and Foot
Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Movements of the Ankle and Foot
Key Considerations for the Ankle and Foot in Whole Body Movement
Special Considerations for the Ankle and Foot in Dance
Conditioning Exercises for the Ankle and Foot
Ankle and Foot Injuries in Dancers
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Ankle and Foot Injuries in Dancers
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Chapter 7. The Upper Extremity
Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Shoulder Complex
Joint Structure and Movements of the Shoulder Girdle
Joint Structure and Movements of the Shoulder
Description and Functions of Individual Muscles of the Shoulder Complex
Alignment and Common Deviations of the Shoulder Complex
Shoulder Mechanics
Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Shoulder Movements
Special Considerations for the Shoulder Complex in Dance
Other Joints of the Upper Extremity
Description and Functions of Selected Individual Muscles of the Elbow
Structure and Movements of the Radioulnar Joints
Key Considerations for the Upper Extremity in Whole Body Movement
Conditioning Exercises for the Upper Extremity
Upper Extremity Injuries in Dancers
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
Chapter 8. Analysis of Human Movement
Anatomical Movement Analysis of Whole Body Movements
Other Methods for Movement Analysis
Research-Supported Movement Analysis
Optimal Performance Models
Movement Cues
Summary
Study Questions and Applications
References and Resources
Index
About the Author
