Anatomy as a Master Image in
Training Dancers
"I believe it is our primary responsibility
as technique teachers to help our students find
the most efficient way possible to use their
bodies," says the internationally acclaimed
dance teacher Ruth Solomon. "In my teaching, I
emphasize the roles of the psoas, the pelvis,
and the spine because the study of anatomy has
led me to believe that they are the prime
motivators of movement. If the dancer can
initiate action by the use of these components
all else should follow, and the resulting
movement will be relatively stress-free,
efficient, and safe."
In this carefully crafted one-hour video, Ms. Solomon illustrates
the forty-five minute warm-up that is the cornerstone of her
approach to preparing the body to dance. The standardized
language and imagery of anatomy are utilized to guide the
dancer to an understanding of the principles by which movement
is produced. There is strong emphasis throughout on proper
alignment and body mechanics, and on the use of breath. While
the exercises demonstrated are based in the floorwork that
is common to modern dance, the warm-up has been used effectively
by dancers in all techniques.