Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

396 Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology

backward rather than lying flat against the rib cage

in the desired manner (figures 7.21, A and B). This

postural deviation, termed “winged scapula,” can

be caused by various muscular imbalances includ-

ing a tight pectoralis minor or inadequate strength

or activation of the serratus anterior or trapezius

muscles. If the serratus anterior is not functioning

synergistically with the trapezius, when the trapezius

contracts to help upwardly rotate the scapulae during

elevation of the arm, its unopposed action will tend

to elevate the scapula, adduct the scapula, and pro-

duce a backward projection of the medial border

to the side can help correct rolled shoulders during

static posture (figure 7.20D).

Winged Scapula

Since there is no bony attachment between the

scapula and the back of the rib cage, the positioning

of the scapula is greatly influenced by the relative

strength, flexibility, and activation of the surround-

ing muscles, and particularly the muscles of scapular

stabilization. In some cases, the medial border or the

inferior angle of the scapula, or both, will project

FIGURE 7.20 Sample exercises for improving rolled shoulders. (A) Sitting arms overhead shoulder stretch, (B) double-

shoulder external rotation, (C) single-arm scarecrow, (D) technique cue to bring shoulder blades slightly down and together

as the shoulders reach to the side.

A

B

C

D