Technical Tuesday Platysma

Technical Tuesday Platysma

Facial expressions are critical for dancers. Not only in performance but also in class. Remember the blog about the “politely arrogant” expression?

A group of muscles responsible (in part) for some facial expressions is not, oddly enough, found totally in the face. Instead, it is a wide band of muscle fibers called the platysma. 

These muscles go from the collarbone (clavicle) upward to the jaw. It assists in moving the lower lip and mouth downward, especially in expressions of sadness, surprise or fright. Very useful in certain dramatic ballets…

The platysma overlaps the sternocleidomastoid that I’ve blogged about before.

Now you know!

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Ballet Secret #25s:

“The platysma is a group of muscles that allow certain facial expressions.”

Link of the Day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYFGUKowBNc

Quote of the Day:

“She was not one for emptying her face of expression.” 
― J.D. Salinger

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