Dance Anatomy

Quadriceps

•  large muscles on the front of the thigh used for running, jumping, and straightening the leg

Hamstrings

• muscles on the back of the thigh that help bend the knee and power movement

Calf muscles

•  muscles in the lower leg that help push the body off the ground when walking, running, or jumping

Stabilizing muscles

•  smaller muscles that help control balance and keep the body steady during movement

Gluteus medius

• a hip muscle that helps with balance and keeping proper alignment when standing or moving

Core muscles

•  muscles in the abdomen and lower back that support posture and balance

Femur

•  the thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body

Tibia

•  the shin bone that supports body weight in the lower leg

Joint

where two bones meet and allow movement (like knee, hip, ankle)

Turnout

• a ballet position where the legs rotate outward from the hips

Range of motion

how far a joint can move in different directions

Alignment

•  the correct positioning of bones and joints in the body

Endurance

•  the ability to sustain physical activity for a long period of time

Cardiovascular fitness

• muscles on the back of the thigh that help bend the knee and power movement

Explosive strength

• the ability to produce a lot of force in a short amount of time (like sprinting or jumping)

Neuromuscular control

• coordination between the brain and muscles to produce precise movement

Muscular endurance

• the ability of muscles to keep working without getting tired quickly

Muscle imbalance

•  when one group of muscles is stronger or tighter than its opposing group

Posture

•  how the body is positioned when sitting, standing, or moving

Force distribution

•  how physical stress is spread across the body during movement

Flexibility

• he ability of muscles and joints to stretch and move easily

Joint stability

•  the ability of a joint to stay strong and controlled during movement