Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

476 Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology

Joint alignment/

technique problem

(Common terminology) Strengthen Stretch Mechanics Sample cues

Ankle-foot (continued)

Inadequate plantar flexion

(Stiff foot, inadequate

point)

Ankle-foot

plantar flexors

(examples: table

6.6, A and B,

pp. 343-344)

Stirrup muscles

(examples: table

6.6, F, H, and N,

pp. 347, 348,

and 351)

Intrinsic

muscles that

support medial

longitudinal arch

(examples: table

6.6, J and K,

p. 349)

Ankle-foot

dorsiflexors and

other passive

constraints to

plantar flexion

(examples:

table 6.8, E and F,

p. 358)

Maximize plantar flexion

of the intertarsal and

tarsometatarsal joints, not

just talocrural joints. Shift

the body weight forward

adequately to facilitate

optimal plantar flexion.

Pull up and forward with

the stirrup muscles.

Shoulder

Rolled shoulders

(Rounded shoulders,

closed chest)

Often accompanied by

kyphosis

Scapular

adductors

Shoulder

external rotators

Thoracic spinal

extensors

(examples: table

7.10, H and I,

p. 439)

Shoulder

internal rotators

and horizontal

adductors

(example: table

7.12D, p. 450)

Prevent undesired “rolled

position” of the shoulders

by contracting the shoulder

external rotators and

scapular adductors.

Bring the shoulder blades

slightly together and down

as the shoulders reach

sideward.

Excessive scapular

elevation

(Lifted shoulders)

Scapular

depressors

(example: table

7.10C, p. 435)

Upper trapezius

(example: figure

3.29C, p. 103)

Use the scapular depressors

to prevent undesired

elevation during the desired

upward rotation of the

scapula that accompanies

shoulder abduction or flexion.

Reach the arm down, out,

and around as the scapula

rotates, without excessive

lifting, when raising the

arm overhead.

Excessive scapular

adduction

(Pinched shoulders)

Often accompanied by

thoracolumbar extension

Scapular

abductors

(example: table

7.10K, p. 440)

Scapular

adductors

Thoracic spinal

extensors

(example: table

3.7B, p. 144)

Use the scapular abductors

to prevent undesired

scapular adduction, and use

the abdominals to prevent

undesired thoracolumbar

spinal extension.

Reach the elbows away

and slightly forward so

that the hands are visible

in the peripheral vision

when the arms are at the

sides or overhead.

TABLE 8.2 Key Alignment/Technique Problems and Potential Corrective Measures (continued)

second-position plié, correction of excessive lumbar

lordosis and an anterior pelvic tilt will often correct the

associated functional valgus position of the knees and

excessive foot pronation. So, using various cues (and

supplemental exercises if indicated) to aid the dancer

in establishing a neutral position of the spine and

pelvis should be prioritized, as this will also have

positive effects on distal joints. Similarly, providing cues

and exercises to aid the dancer in achieving and main-

taining appropriate external rotation at the hip will

often positively influence distal joints as discussed in

previous chapters. Adding sufficient external rotation

at the hip can correct relative functional tibial internal

rotation and the associated pronation of the foot.