The workshop began with an introduction to fundamental anatomical principles, using the hip joint as a key example. This joint is especially important in dance, as it plays a vital role in almost all types of movement. It also requires significant mobility and proper conditioning to avoid injury.
Joanna Abbatt explored strategies to improve the balance of forces around the hip. She emphasized starting with the deep muscles before moving to the more superficial muscles, always maintaining pelvic stability.
These principles were applied through exercises focused on different types of muscle contractions, with particular attention to eccentric contractions. The exercises began with the deep muscles to improve both stability and strength.
These techniques can be applied to any joint in the body. While all types of muscle contraction are essential, eccentric contraction is especially beneficial for dance, helping to build strength and stability.
The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, where participants discussed the relationship between the hip joint, overall body awareness, and their relevance to dance styles such as ballet, flamenco, and physical training.
