Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology by Karen Сlippinger

Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology: Empowering Your Performance Author: Karen Clippinger

For the committed dancer, excellence is not just about artistic vision—it is about understanding the mechanics of the human body. Karen Clippinger’s Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology is widely regarded as a cornerstone text in the dance community, prized for its ability to distill complex scientific concepts into practical, actionable advice.

This comprehensive guide is designed to empower dancers at every level, ensuring they can achieve their peak performance while maintaining the physical integrity required for a long career.

Contents

CHAPTER 1 The Skeletal System and Its Movements

1. Primary Tissues of the Body
2. Bone Composition and Structure
3. Bone Development and Growth
4. The Human Skeleton
5. Joint Architecture
6. Body Orientation Terminology
7. Joint Movement Terminology
8. Skeletal Considerations in Whole Body Movement
9. Summary
10. Study Questions and Applications

CHAPTER 2 The Muscular System

1. Skeletal Muscle Structure and Function
2. Microstructure of Skeletal Muscle and Muscle Contraction
3. Muscle Architecture
4. Muscle Attachments to Bone
5. Muscles, Levers, and Rotary Motion
6. Types of Muscle Contraction (Tension)
7. Muscular Considerations in Whole Body Movement
8. Learning Muscle Names and Actions
9. Summary
10. Study Questions and Applications

CHAPTER 3 The Spine

1. Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Spine
2. Joint Structure and Movements of the Vertebral Column
3. Description and Functions of Individual Muscles of the Spine
4. Ideal Spinal Alignment and Common Deviations
5. Spinal Mechanics
6. Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Spinal Movements
7. Key Considerations for the Spine in Whole Body Movement
8. Special Considerations for the Spine in Dance
9. Conditioning Exercises for the Spine
10. Back Injuries in Dancers
11. Summary
12. Study Questions and Applications

CHAPTER 4 The Pelvic Girdle and Hip Joint

1. Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Hip Region
2. Joint Structure and Movements of the Pelvic Girdle
3. Joint Structure and Movements of the Hip
4. Description and Functions of Individual Hip Muscles
5. Alignment and Common Deviations of the Hip Region
6. Pelvic and Hip Mechanics
7. Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Hip Movements
8. Key Considerations for the Hip in Whole Body Movement
9. Special Considerations for the Hip in Dance
10. Conditioning Exercises for the Hip
11. Hip Injuries in Dancers
12. Summary
13. Study Questions and Applications

CHAPTER 5 The Knee and Patellofemoral Joints

1. Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Knee Region
2. Joint Structure and Movements of the Knee
3. Description and Functions of Individual Knee Muscles
4. Knee Alignment and Common Deviations
5. Knee Mechanics
6. Structure and Movements of the Patellofemoral Joint
7. Patellofemoral Alignment and the Q Angle
8. Patellofemoral Mechanics
9. Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Knee Movements
10. Key Considerations for the Knee in Whole Body Movement
11. Special Considerations for the Knee in Dance
12. Conditioning Exercises for the Knee
13. Knee Injuries in Dancers
14. Summary
15. Study Questions and Applications

CHAPTER 6 The Ankle and Foot

1. Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Ankle and Foot
2. Joint Structure and Movements of the Ankle and Foot
3. Description and Functions of Individual Muscles of the Ankle and Foot
4. Alignment and Common Deviations of the Ankle and Foot
5. Mechanics of the Ankle and Foot
6. Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Movements of the Ankle and Foot
7. Key Considerations for the Ankle and Foot in Whole Body Movement
8. Special Considerations for the Ankle and Foot in Dance
9. Conditioning Exercises for the Ankle and Foot
10. Ankle and Foot Injuries in Dancers
11. Summary
12. Study Questions and Applications

CHAPTER 7 The Upper Extremity

1. Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Shoulder Complex
2. Joint Structure and Movements of the Shoulder Girdle
3. Joint Structure and Movements of the Shoulder
4. Description and Functions of Individual Muscles of the Shoulder Complex
5. Alignment and Common Deviations of the Shoulder Complex
6. Shoulder Mechanics
7. Muscular Analysis of Fundamental Shoulder Movements
8. Special Considerations for the Shoulder Complex in Dance
9. Other Joints of the Upper Extremity
10. Description and Functions of Selected Individual Muscles of the Elbow
11. Structure and Movements of the Radioulnar Joints
12. Key Considerations for the Upper Extremity in Whole Body Movement
13. Conditioning Exercises for the Upper Extremity
14. Upper Extremity Injuries in Dancers
15. Summary
16. Study Questions and Applications

CHAPTER 8 Analysis of Human Movement

1. Anatomical Movement Analysis of Whole Body Movements
2. Other Methods for Movement Analysis
3. Research-Supported Movement Analysis
4. Optimal Performance Models
5. Movement Cues
6. Summary
7. Study Questions and Applications