Having an understanding of your anatomical structure (muscular and skeletal systems) in dance allows you the dancer the ability to execute movement in a safer manner, reducing the risk of injury and prolonging your dance career. Each and every individual body type and the way in which it works varies, some dancers have to be more aware of their increased flexibility and therefore need to work on developing muscle strength and strength around the joints in order to control some movements. Some dancers are stronger and less flexible and therefore it is important to have an understanding of the muscle function and know how to develop flexibility within the muscles and the ligaments supporting the joints.

Somatotype

A greater awareness of the muscular and skeletal systems heightens kinaesthetic awareness therefore, impacts of the way the movement is performed, the quality of line, projection of shapes and controlling and varying the dynamics. This enhances performance quality and the dancer’s ability to communicate clear images in the space.

Body maintenance

In understanding the function of the muscular and skeletal systems we gain a greater understanding of the mechanics of the body and we are able to find strategies that allow us to maintain the body. Body maintenance is very important as it allows:

• greater kinaesthetic awareness
• the body to work more efficiently
• the development of strength, stretch and stamina.

What activities would you need to do for your body in order to maintain the body so that it is operating at its maximum potential? Explain why in your response. Copy the table below and complete in detail.

Provide a detailed explanation of how the above activities would assist in maintaining peak physical fitness for a dancer. How could it be of benefit to you in your Core Performance Dance?