The Spine - Anatomy and Safe Dance Practices PDF

The Spine Dancers can put a tremendous amount of stress on their back, especially in the more mobile areas such as the lower spine (lumbar spine). Your spine can move in many directions that allow the dancer to perform movements with fluidity and ease. It is of great importance for you as a dancer...

The Spine Dancers can put a tremendous amount of stress on their back, especially in the more mobile areas such as the lower spine (lumbar spine). Your spine can move in many directions that allow the dancer to perform movements with fluidity and ease. It is of great importance for you as a dancer to have an anatomical understanding of the spine and an awareness of the limitations of the spine. This will ensure that you consistently apply safe dance practice to prevent injury. The structure of the spine Your spine is your body’s central axis or referred to as the axial skeleton. It supports your head and transmits the weight of your whole body down to your pelvis. Your spinal or vertebral column consists of thirty-three bones called the vertebrae. There are soft discs between vertebrae that prevent friction and act as shock absorbers during jumps. The main functions of the spinal column are 1. Protect the spinal cord – the nerves running down the center. 2. Maintain upright posture through the abdominal and spinal muscles. 3. Support the head, ribs and hips. 4. Absorb the shock of movement – such as jumps. 5. Gives shape to the body through the curves of the spine. Safe dance practice: To apply safe practice and to prevent injury to your spine you need to take note of the following: Apply the correct technique, e.g. ensure that your body is always well aligned and that your feet are placed on the three points of the foot. Strengthen your core muscles (abdominals) to support your spine. Apply the correct lifting technique when you are working with a partner. Execute the correct jumping technique, start and end with a knee bend /demi plié. Avoid practicing on poor floor surfaces that has no impact absorption. The spine can be divided into five sections and has four curves: 7 Cervical vertebrae – curve in the neck 12 Thoracic vertebrae – curve in the upper back 5 Lumbar – curve in the lower back 5 Sacral vertebrae fused together. 4 Coccygeal forming the coccyx fused together.