372 Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology
Study Questions and Applications (continued)
- Working with a partner, demonstrate the fundamental movements of the ankle and foot
(plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion) including both of the following:
a. When the foot remains in contact with the ground (closed kinematic chain)
b. When the foot is free to move (open kinematic chain)
Then, provide a movement from dance that exemplifies each of these variations on the fun-
damental ankle-foot movements, and describe the primary muscle group and sample muscles
used to effect these motions. - Demonstrate two exercises for stretching the gastrocnemius and soleus. How does the posi-
tion of the knee influence which muscle is being emphasized? - Describe how one could attempt to correct a dancer who excessively pronates during a plié
through making changes at the foot, the lower leg, and the hip. What approach do you think
would be best over the long term and why? - Provide a strengthening exercise that would be the most important for preventing the follow-
ing injuries, and identify the muscle group targeted by the exercise: (a) lateral ankle sprain,
(b) shin splints. - A dancer has been having a difficult time performing multiple outside turns and keeps fall-
ing back out of her turns. Her teacher has noted that she is rolling out on her foot as the
turn progresses. Describe how the stirrup muscles of the foot could relate to this technique
error and how these muscles could be used to help correct the problem. Identify appropri-
ate strength exercises that could be utilized to prevent the undesired motion of the foot and
three cues that could be utilized to try to implement the desired technique adjustments.