Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

470 Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology

TABLE 8.1 Summary of Fundamental Movements of Major Joints and the Primary Muscles That Can Produce Them

Major joint Movement Prime mover

Spine Flexion Rectus abdominis

External oblique

Internal oblique

Extension Erector spinae

Rotation External oblique

Internal oblique

Erector spinae

Lateral flexion Quadratus lumborum

External oblique

Internal oblique

Erector spinae

Hip Flexion Iliopsoas

Rectus femoris

Sartorius

Extension Hamstrings

Gluteus maximus

Abduction Gluteus medius

Gluteus minimus

Adduction Adductor longus

Adductor brevis

Adductor magnus

Gracilis

External rotation Gluteus maximus

Deep outward rotators

Internal rotation Gluteus medius

Gluteus minimus

Knee Flexion Hamstrings

Extension Quadriceps femoris

Major joint Movement Prime mover

Ankle-foot Plantar flexion Gastrocnemius

Soleus

Dorsiflexion Tibialis anterior

Extensor digitorum

longus

Inversion Tibialis anterior

Tibialis posterior

Eversion Peroneus longus

Peroneus brevis

Shoulder Flexion Pectoralis major

(clavicular)

Anterior deltoid

Extension Pectoralis major (sternal)

Latissimus dorsi

Teres major

Posterior deltoid

Abduction Middle deltoid

Supraspinatus

Adduction Pectoralis major and

latissimus dorsi*

Anterior deltoid and

posterior deltoid*

External rotation Infraspinatus

Teres minor

Internal rotation Subscapularis

Teres major

Elbow Flexion Biceps brachii

Brachialis

Extension Triceps brachii

*Adduction is produced by simultaneous action of these paired muscles.

Identify Key Synergists (Optional)

As just discussed, when a muscle contracts, it tends

to produce all of its possible joint movements. If

some of these actions are not being used in the

analyzed movement, it is likely that one or more

synergists are being used to neutralize the unde-

sired action(s). To simplify movement analysis, the

action of these synergists is often ignored. However,

as with stabilizers, more sophisticated analysis may

include one or more synergists that are key for cor-

rect execution of the movement, or this area can

be selectively addressed with technique consider-

ations if a related error is observed. For example,

in movements where the arms are overhead, the

scapular depressors can act as synergists to prevent

undesired excessive elevation of the shoulders

(figure 8.4) and could be listed in a section titled

“stabilizers” or in a section addressing “alignment

and technique considerations” if undesired scapular

elevation was noted.

Identify Any Requirements

for Extreme Range of Motion

(Movement Specific)

Some movements performed in dance require

extreme ranges of motion in one or more direc-

tions and joints. In such cases, it is important that

a movement analysis note this, as it may be relevant