Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

158 Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology

I

n this chapter we turn to structures and movements

within the hip region. The two halves of the pelvis

form the pelvic girdle. The pelvic girdle provides

the very important role of linking the lower limbs

to the axial skeleton. The hip joint proper, formed

between the femur and pelvis, can be characterized

by its exceptional stability essential for withstanding

the large forces associated with upright standing and

locomotion. However, despite its structural predispo-

sitions for stability, the hip joint allows a surprising

degree of motion that dancers strive to enhance to

a degree rarely seen in other sports. Hip passive and

dynamic range of motion is one of the distinguishing

landmarks of the elite dancer as exemplified by the

movement shown in the photo on page 157. To maxi-

mize this potential range without creating injuries,

it is particularly important that dancers understand

the structure and function of the hip region.

This chapter will present basic anatomy and

mechanics of the pelvic girdle and hip joints that

influence optimal performance and the vulnerability

of this joint to injury. Topics covered will include

the following:

• 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 move-
    ments
  
  
  • Key considerations for the hip in whole body move-
    ment
  
  
  • Special considerations for the hip in dance
  
  
  • Conditioning exercises for the hip
  
  
  • Hip injuries in dancers
  
  
  
  

Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Hip Region

The sides of the pelvis are termed the os coxae or

os innominatum, and each side is actually made up

of three bones—the ilium (L. groin, flank), ischium

(G. ischion, hip), and pubis (L. pubes, the genitals) as

seen in figure 4.1—which become fused into a single

bone at about 15 or 16 years of age. The ilium is a flat

FIGURE 4.1 Bones and bony landmarks of the pelvis. (A) Posterior view, (B) lateral view, (C) anterior view.