Dance Anatomy

By (author) Greene Haas, Jacqui
Short description/annotation:
Enhance dance technique and prevent injuries through vibrant anatomical visuals and focused exercises. Detailed guidance reveals muscle engagement during movement, refining posture, flexibility, and strength. Master targeted conditioning, breath control, and stress relief to achieve graceful power on stage.
Description:
Improve dance performance and flexibility with an illustrated guide.

Discover the pure power and aesthetic beauty of dance as you perfect your technique with Dance Anatomy, Third Edition. With more than 100 anatomical illustrations in a vibrant new color palette, you will see how specific dance, movement, and performance exercises will help you maintain posture, find more flexibility, breathe appropriately, and reduce the risk of injury that is inherent in executing repetitive movements.

Dance Anatomy is a must-have for every dancer. Exercises and movements are depicted in stunning detail, highlighting the engaged muscles, joints,and tendons so you can clearly see the connection between training and performance.

Thoroughly updated, this third edition features the following:

• 21 new exercises to improve strength, mobility, and flexibility
• 42 new illustrations, including new Dance Focus images that explain how the exercises benefit the dancer in different positions and highlight modern expressions in dance
• New tables in each exercise chapter that describe the location and action of the muscles highlighted so you can see how the muscles contribute to each movement
• A more robust chapter on brain health that addresses chronic stress and anxiety to provide you with tools for overcoming stage fright or performance anxiety
• Eight popular dance movements featured in large format, with explanations of how the anatomy works through the movement

Each chapter addresses a key principle of movement, beginning with the center of the body, where dance begins. You will find exercises to target specific areas-such as shoulders and arms, pelvis, and lower legs-to enhance flexibility and ensure safety. You will also discover more efficient ways of improving your lines and technique by implementing a supplementary conditioning program that considers your changing cycles of classes, practices, and rest times.

Dance Anatomy will help you master the impeccable balance, intense muscular control, and grace to prepare you for your next leading role!
Table of contents:
Chapter 1. The Dancer in Motion
Chapter 2. Brain Health
Chapter 3. Injury Awareness
Chapter 4. Spine
Chapter 5. Ribs and Breath
Chapter 6. Core
Chapter 7. Shoulders and Arms
Chapter 8. Pelvis and Hips
Chapter 9. Legs
Chapter 10. Ankles and Feet
Chapter 11. Whole-Body Training for Dancers
Review quote:
“Dance Anatomy is an amazing reference that I recommend to my patients, dancers, and students. Clearly written, accessible, and understandable, it is a must-read for dancers at any stage of their careers.”
-Nancy Kadel, MD, President of International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS)
Biographical note:
Jacqui Greene Haas recently retired as performing arts medicine program manager for Mercy Health and Cincinnati Ballet, serving as the company’s athletic trainer for almost 30 years. She is a former professional ballet dancer who danced with Cincinnati Ballet, New Orleans City Ballet, Cleveland Ballet, and Southern Ballet Theatre and was an apprentice with Boston Ballet. Haas has a BA in dance from the University of South Florida, an athletic training certificate t