Dance Anatomy (Joints)

I grew up hearing that science and Christianity don't mix. However the more I study science, the more I am impressed with God. The human body is so complex and high functioning that it baffles me when people believe that we are here by accident. It is important to learn anatomy as a dancer. You need to learn how to use and master the body that God has given you. Understanding how your body works will prevent injury and allow you to continue dancing well into your 80's.

I want to talk about the joints. Joints hold bones together and allow them to stay in place or have free range of movement. There are three types of Joints.

3 Types of Joints

Fibrous: These joints are held together with only ligaments, like the teeth in your jaw or the planes in your skull.

Cartilaginous: Held together with cartilage, like the vertebrae in your upper spine or your ribs. These allow a little range of motion. They adjust to body changes like pregnancy or breathing. Cartilage in simple terms, is flexible bone. (e.g. nose)

Synovial: This is the most common joint found in your body. Your larger bones have a wider range of motion and it is because the joint is basically a small sac of fluid. There are six types of synovial joints in your body.

6 Types of Synovial Joints

Gliding / Plane Joint: This joint is found in your hands and in your lower spine. There isn't much movement between the joints but the spine does allow a beautiful range of movement in every direction.

Hinge: These joints are only found in your elbows and knees. They work exactly like the hinges on a door. They just open and close.

Saddle: This is similar to the hinge joint but its rounded ends allows that part of the body a wider range of movement. The saddle joint can be found in your knuckles. It allows you to wag your finger "No," and to also wave goodbye.

Pivot: These bones can be found on the wrist, ankles, and neck. It allows that body part to move side-to-side, front and back, and to twist

Ball and Socket: This is when one end of the joint is a rounded, and the opposing end fits over it like a little cap. This joint can be found in the shoulder and hip. It allows for the greatest range of motion, because all movements are possible in any direction.

Condyloid / Ellipsoid: This allows angular movements on the fingers and the base of the neck.