Technical Tuesday Iliopsoas
The iliopsoas muscle group (this includes the psosas major,
minor and the iliacus) is essential for everyday, mundane activities like
walking and running, but it is particularly important for dancers. Weakness in
this muscle can cause problems in the back, like too much or too little curve,
which in turn can limit the development
of turn-out. Weakness in the iliopsoas
can also cause a decrease in the ability to flex the hip joint – think how this
would negatively impact high extensions!
As you can see from the drawing above, this muscle group attaches
to the spine, the pelvis and the femur. These muscles are important for the
alignment of the pelvis, hence they contribute to core stability – so important
for dancers.
In order to “find” the iliopsoas, imagination
(visualization) is key. Picture the muscles in your mind as you dance, using
the drawing above as a guide. You can imagine them as elastic bands, strings,
or whatever helps you find and feel them.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Anatomical Secret #24e:
“ The iliopsosas is one of the most powerful muscles of the hip
flexor group.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“The only time you fail is when you fall
down and stay down.”
― Stephen Richards
― Stephen Richards
Help expand the knowledge base!
Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas,
or images that worked best for you!
Want to know more about me? Read my interview at Ballet Connections:
Or "Like"
me on my Facebook Author Page:
No comments:
Post a Comment