What is Dance Kinesiology?
Dance kinesiology is the study of the human body in motion as it most directly applies to dance movements, with a primary focus on the musculoskeletal system. A dance kinesiology course is designed to help dancers better understand their bodies and to enhance their performance, both aesthetically and technically. Information and current research from anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and motor control, psychology, nutrition, injury management, conditioning and somatic practices are topics which may be included in a dance kinesiology course. The dancer’s body is often the main “textbook” for this course, augmented with visual aids such as skeletons, models, DVD’s, props and additional illustrations, books and articles which facilitate learning. A dance kinesiology course might also be called “Dance science”, “Anatomy for Dance” or “Foundations of Movement”. What are the benefits of studying dance kinesiology? In a dance kinesiology course, dancers learn the scientific an
