Chapter 1: Safe Dance Practise: Alignment and Posture: Skeleton

Question 1

What are the main functions of a skeleton?

Answer 1

1. Support
2. Protect (organs)
3. Rigidity (allow accurate movement when muscles contract)
4. Provide red marrow
5. Storage of minerals (eg. calcium)

Question 2

What are the main functions of a spine?

Answer 2

1. Protect the spinal nerve chord
2. Support the head, ribs, hips
3. Maintain upright posture
4. Absorb shock waves of movement

Question 3

What are the 4 curves of a spine?

Answer 3

(Draw it)

Cervical-7 vertabrae

Thoraic-12 vertebrae

Lumbar- 5 vertebrae

Sacral

Question 4

EXAMPLE

Stylistic uses of the spine:

How is the spine used in Ballet?

Answer 4

style of the vertical torso gives ballet its ethereal lighteness and facilitates the execution of pirouettes, and ease of jumping

back bends require strong abdominals to mak a stable platform for the thoraic spine to arch away from.

Question 5

EXAMPLE

stylisitic uses of the spine:

How is the spine used by Martha Graham?

Answer 5

the contraction of the Martha Graham technique is where the corset of abdominal muscles contract as the the erector spinae extends creating the curving of the torso