Topics in Modern Dance - Technique and Kinesiology

Flashcards covering modern dance technique vocabulary, ballet terminology, skeletal and muscular kinesiology, and historical works from MG DANC 101.

Contraction

The basis of the Graham technique characterized by a posterior pelvic tilt paired with a hollowing of the chest ('C' curve of the spine, 'laugh or throw up' position), where energy is directed up rather than back.

Release

The opposite of contraction involving an extension of the upper body beginning at the pelvis to return to a neutral spine; described as a reassertion rather than an 'undo'.

High Release

The fullest form of a release, where the sternum drives the energy up and forward as if a light is shining from it.

Plié

A foundational ballet term meaning 'to bend.'

Tendu

A foundational ballet term meaning 'to stretch.'

Développé

A foundational ballet term meaning 'to develop.'

Battement

A foundational ballet term meaning 'to beat.'

Axial Skeleton

The central structural division of the skeleton consisting of the skull, vertebral column, sternum, and ribs.

Appendicular Skeleton

The division of the skeleton comprising the upper extremity (shoulder girdle: clavicle, scapula; arm/hand: humerus, radius, ulna, 8 carpals, 5 metacarpals, 14 phalanges) and lower extremity (pelvic girdle: os coxae; leg/foot: femur, patella, tibia, fibula, 7 tarsals, 5 metatarsals, 14 phalanges).

Spinal Regions

The structural divisions of the vertebral column consisting of the Cervical spine ($C1-C7$), Thoracic spine ($T1-T12$), Lumbar spine ($L1-L5$), Sacrum spine ($S1-S5$), and Coccyx.

Pelvic Girdle Anatomy

The skeletal structure of the pelvis including the iliac crest, iliac fossa, sacrum, coccyx, pubic symphysis, inferior pubic ramus, obturator foramen, greater sciatic foramen, anterior superior iliac spine, anterior inferior iliac spine, and femoral connection points (greater and lesser trochanters).

Body Planes

The three anatomical planes used to describe movement and orientation: Sagittal plane, Coronal plane (frontal plane), and Transverse plane (horizontal plane).

Anatomical Position

The standard reference posture of the human body used as the default orientation for defining body planes and directional movements.

Iliopsoas Complex

The primary hip flexor muscle group (composed of psoas major and iliacus) connecting around the hip joint and lumbar spine, responsible for stabilizing the trunk and acting as the main driver of contraction.

Lower Extremity Musculature

Major muscle groups of the leg and hip including abductors, adductors, gluteus, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and soleus.

Prelude to Action

A modern dance work created by choreographer Martha Graham in 1936.