Rather than focusing on dance injuries, this book takes a positive approach showing what a dancer can do to dance better, which, in turn, will decrease injury rates. It presents human anatomy and motion in a functional, dance-specific way that teaches the readers to appreciate and take ownership of their bodies through a tour of the musculoskeletal system and movement analysis. The written material is accompanied by anatomical line drawings commissioned for the book, photographs, and an assortment of experiential activities specifically designed for dancers.

This introductory textbook looks at anatomy and kinesiology from the dancer's point of view. It begins by setting out the basic structures of the human body - bone, muscle, joints and nervous tissue - and then goes on to show how they interact to form anatomical systems. Finally it considers how these systems function in the dance class, addressing issues such as stretching, breathing, balance, warming up and warming down.

Essential reading for teachers who want to include movement and dance into their lesson plans Bringing together the traditions of creative dance and current educational theory, Creative Dance and Learning gives teachers the means to make movement expression a part of students' lives. By helping them develop their kinesthetic intelligence, the text shows teachers how to tap into this rich modality of learning and integrate it into the many goals of education, including self-awareness, creativity, fitness, and individual and group problem-solving skills.