This is a course text for dance teachers and students, as well as a reference for dance professionals. It covers the basic anatomical and biomechanical principles that apply to optimal performance in dance. It is a highly visual text with outstanding anatomical illustrations and action photos. It includes examples and visuals that are specifically designed to help dancers improve technique and performance. It focuses on skeletal and muscular systems to provide readers with the understanding needed to improve movement and reduce injuries.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. The Skeletal System and Its Movements; Chapter 2. The Muscular System; Chapter 3. The Spine; Chapter 4. The Pelvic Girdle and Hip Joint; Chapter 5. The Knee and Patellofemoral Joints; Chapter 6. The Ankle and Foot; Chapter 7. The Upper Extremity; Chapter 8. Analysis of Human Movement.

About the Author

Karen Clippinger is an associate professor at California State University, Long Beach, where she teaches functional anatomy for dance, prevention and care of dance injuries, body placement and Pilates. She has given over 350 presentations in Canada, England, Japan, South Africa and throughout the United States, including at conferences for the American College of Sports Medicine, the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Body Arts and Science International, the International Dance Exercise Association and the Olympic Scientific Congress. She wrote an exercise column for Shape Magazine for four years and served as one of the founding co-editors of the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science from 1996 to 2005.