Download Dance Assignment – Hip Flexors - All assignments must be typed

Dance Assignment – Hip Flexors
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All assignments must be typed
All assignments must be handed in as a hard copy
Minimum of 10 sentences
Hip Flexors
Hip flexors are a group of muscles connecting the pelvis (hips) to the femur (upper leg bone)
which act as a group to draw the knee towards the center of the body. These muscles include the
Psoas major, Psoas minor, Iliacus muscle, Rectus femoris (part of the quadriceps muscle group),
Sartorius, Tensor fasciae latae, Medial compartment of thigh, Pectineus, Adductor longus,
Adductor brevis, and the Gracilis.
For dancers, these muscles are vital because they provide action, lifting the leg, and stability,
holding the leg. As we work throughout the semester to strengthen these muscles, you will
notice an increase in stamina and functional flexibility (the height you are able to hold your leg
without the support of your hands or a barre).
Injury to the hip flexors is usually caused by repetitive motion. Strains are common, sprains less
so.
Questions:
Which specific movements in class use our hip flexors? Have you ever injured your hip flexors?
If so, how did you treat it? With the knowledge you have concerning muscles, what will you to
do to prevent hip flexor injuries? What stretches do you know that would stretch the hip flexors?