Spine Anatomy For Dancers: Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments

Your spine doesn’t move on its own. An entire team of muscles, tendons, and ligaments makes ballet possible, and most dancers are only using half of them.

In Part 2 of the Ballet Science spine series, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina, PhD in biomechanics) breaks down how the spinal support system actually works in ballet. We explore the difference between deep stabilizing muscles and global movers, why dancers tend to overgrip their backs and abs, and how this imbalance can limit technique and increase injury risk.

You’ll learn: The role of deep stabilizers like the multifidus and transverse abdominis Why gripping your erector spinae won’t give you a higher arabesque How ligaments and tendons protect (and sometimes fail) in extreme ballet ranges What really supports movements like arabesque, cambré, penché, and turns Why strength training is transformative for spinal health in dancers

This episode connects anatomy directly to real ballet technique, helping dancers move with more control, expressiveness, and longevity, without unnecessary strain.

👉 Next episode: Herniated discs in dancers... what they are, why they happen, and how to return to dance safely.

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