DANCE 370Anatomy and Physiology for Performers

3 credits · Dance · Penn State

The purpose of this course is to provide performers with anatomical theory and concepts to apply to movement. The course will progress through the body in systems as they relate to the biomechanics of movement and the body in performance. All body systems will be covered, but we will explore the musculoskeletal system in dept including specific bones and muscles most commonly used in the movement of the performing arts. Students will not only become proficient in the anatomy and physiology of the moving body, but also learn to apply this material to specific movements to facilitate the efficiency of movement in their area of interest. This course will be grounded in specific principles of western anatomy and physiology, but will also focus on application to analyze movements for the biomechanical basis that allows each movement, and the way the body system function and interact when performing. This knowledge is to aid in more efficient moving, peforming, better body awareness/understanding, and injury prevention. The class covers different topics each week and will build upon practices learned in each previous session. Within each class period, lecture will be immediately followed by experiential hands on exercises and experiential learning application.