Dance Anatomy

Posture

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

Force distribution

• how physical stress is spread across the body during movement

Flexibility

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

Joint stability

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

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

• how well the heart and lungs supply oxygen during exercise

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