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Anatomical and physiological considerations for the dance forms and genres studied within Shockout Arts.

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Anatomical and physiological considerations for the dance forms and genres studied within Shockout Arts.

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The physical and psychological considerations of health and wellbeing.

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The physical and psychological considerations of health and wellbeing.

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Nutrition and hydration in relation to training for the dance profession.

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Nutrition and hydration in relation to training for the dance profession.

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No jewellery allowed in class, here is a picture of what you shouldn't have for class.

Google.co.uk. (2017). jewelry in ears - Google Search. [online] Available at:https://i.pinimg.com/736x/87/e9/d7/87e9d752aae63d55a3cf791c11db716c--ear-jewelry-jewelry-accessories.jpg [Accessed 13 Dec. 2017].

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Dance training fitness programme. It is important to cross train whilst working to become a professional.

The body coach TV (2014). HITT HOme Workout for beginners. [image] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q20pLhdoEoY [Accessed 15 Dec. 2017].

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Akram Khans contempoerary piece 'Gnosis'

YouTube. (2013). Akram Khan- Gnosis. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Gl3rVm7SQ [Accessed 15 Dec. 2017].

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The classic Swan Lake

medici. (2016). Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky - Dance of the Little Swans. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd2nTXsivHs [Accessed 15 Dec. 2017].

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Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky - Dance of the Little Swans

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George Balanchine, the ballerina body.

Uk.images.search.yahoo.com. (2017). george balanchine ballerina body requirements - Yahoo Image Search results. [online] Available at: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/04/14/04/041404cf7d01f5832fa0fd5d5fd160dc.jpg [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017].

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An athletic looking body which is now the aesthetic of a dancer.

Sites.stedwards.edu. (2017). Feature Friday: Misty Copeland | Noteworthy Women. [online] Available at: http://sites.stedwards.edu/scortez/2017/03/24/feature-friday-misty-copeland/ [Accessed 08 Dec. 2017]

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The overall function of the body.
Live Science. (2017). The Human Body: Anatomy, Facts & Functions. [online] Available at: https://www.livescience.com/37009-human-body.html [Accessed 10 Dec. 2017].

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

The human body is everything that makes up, well, you. What decides and regulates the physical form and function of the human body is our genetic information, however, external environments and behaviours can alter the way our body's look and how well they function, according to Human Growth and Developments (opens in new tab).

The human body is made up of all the living and nonliving components that create the entire structure of the human organism, including every living cell, tissue and organ.

On the outside human anatomy consists of the five basic parts, the head, neck, torso, arms and legs. However, beneath the skin there are countless biological and chemical interactions that keep the human body machine ticking over.
Related: Body changes during pregnancy
What are the different systems in the human body?

Our bodies consist of a number of biological systems that carry out specific functions necessary for everyday living.

The job of the circulatory system is to move blood, nutrients, , carbon dioxide, and hormones, around the body. It consists of the heart, blood, blood vessels, arteries and veins. According to the Cleveland Clinic (opens in new tab), the human body's network of blood vessels, veins and capillaries is over 60,00 miles (around 96,560 kilometres) long.

The digestive system consists of a series of connected organs that together, allow the body to break down and absorb food, and remove waste. It includes the mouth, esophagus, , small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The liver and pancreas also play a role in the digestive system because they produce digestive juices filled with enzymes to break down the components of your food, such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (opens in new tab).

The endocrine system consists of a network of glands that secrete hormones into the blood. These hormones, in turn, travel to different tissues and regulate various bodily functions, such as metabolism, growth and sexual function, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine (opens in new tab). For example, one of the glands in the pancreas - called the endocrine gland - releases hormones called insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The immune system is the body's defense against , and other pathogens that may be harmful. The immune system is activated when antigens (proteins on the surface of bacteria, fungi and viruses) bind with receptors on immune cells, alerting the body to their presence and kicking the immune system into gear, according to Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) (opens in new tab). The system is made up of I lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, lymphocytes (including B-cells and T-cells), the thymus and leukocytes, which are white blood cells.

The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, lymph ducts and lymph vessels, and also plays a role in the body's defenses. Its main job is to make and move lymph, a clear fluid that contains white blood cells, which help the body fight infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The lymphatic system also removes excess lymph fluid from bodily tissues, and returns it to the blood.
Related: Fight or flight: The sympathetic nervous system
The nervous system controls both voluntary action (like conscious movement) and involuntary actions (like breathing), and sends signals to different parts of the body. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves that connect every other part of the body to the central nervous system, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (opens in new tab).

The body's muscular system consists of about 650 muscles that aid in movement, blood flow and other bodily functions, according to the Library of Congress. There are three types of muscle: skeletal muscle which is connected to bone and helps with voluntary movement, smooth muscle which is found inside organs and helps to move substances through organs, and cardiac muscle which is found in the heart and helps pump blood.

The reproductive system allows humans to reproduce. The male reproductive system includes the penis and the , which produce sperm. The female reproductive system consists of the vagina, the uterus and the ovaries, which produce eggs. During conception, a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, which creates a fertilized egg that implants and grows in the uterus.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Related: How to increase lung capacity
Our bodies are supported by the skeletal system, which consists of between 206 and 213 bones in an adult human body, which are all connected by tendons, ligaments and cartilage, according to the journal StatPearls (opens in new tab). As infants, humans have 270 bones, before some fuse together during growth. The skeleton not only helps us move, but it's also involved in the production of blood cells and the storage of calcium. The teeth are also part of the skeletal system, but they aren't considered bones.

The respiratory system allows us to take in vital oxygen and expel carbon dioxide in a process we call breathing. It consists mainly of the trachea, the diaphragm and the .

The human body contains nearly 37.2 trillion cells.

It's estimated that the microbial biome of our bodies, including bacteria and fungi is around 39 trillion cells.

The average adult takes around 22,000 breaths a day.

Each day, the kidneys process about 200 quarts (50 gallons) of blood to filter out about 2 quarts of waste and water.

Adults excrete about a quarter and a half (1.42 liters) of urine each day.

The human brain contains about 100 billion nerve cells.

Water makes up more than 50 percent of the average adult's body weight.

The urinary system helps eliminate a waste product called urea from the body, which is produced when certain foods are broken down. The whole system includes two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, two sphincter muscles and the urethra. Urine produced by the kidneys travels down the ureters to the bladder, and exits the body through the urethra.

The skin, or integumentary system, is the body's largest organ. It protects us from the outside world, and is our first defense against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Our skin also helps regulate body temperature and eliminate waste through perspiration. In addition to skin, the integumentary system includes hair and nails.

What are the body's vital organs?

What are vestigial organs?

Unlike the vital organs, there are some other organs and structures within the human body that no longer serve a purpose - known as vestigial organs. That's not to say that they didn't once play a role in human survival, according to the Department of Anatomy at Midwestern University (opens in new tab).

Over the course of human evolution, some organs and anatomical structures have lost their function, for example, the coccyx or tailbone. It was Charles Darwin that first proposed that humans descended from primates with tails, noting the tiny set of vertebrae we all share adjacent to the pelvis - called the coccyx - is what remains of our ancestral tail, according to the New York Times (opens in new tab).

Another well-known example of a seemingly functionless organ is the appendix. The appendix is a narrow pouch attached to the lower abdominal cavity of the human body. It's generally considered to be redundant in the function of the human body, however, in 2017 research conducted by Midwestern University (opens in new tab) suggested that the appendix may serve as a reservoir for several types of beneficial gut bacteria.

Additional resources

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The Human Body: Anatomy, Facts & Functions

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(Image credit: Getty Images) The human body is everything that makes up, well, you. What decides and regulates the physical form and function of the human body is our genetic information, however, external environments and behaviours can alter the way our body's look and how well they function, according to Human Growth and Developments (opens in new tab).

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As seen below, a slick-back ponytail must also be worn for jazz and contemporary technique.

Google.co.uk. (2017). slick back jazz ponytail - Google Search. [online] Available at:https://i.pinimg.com/736x/4d/ab/6c/4dab6c5176ef2c555742cc36d9daab51--sleek-ponytail-sleek-hair.jpg[Accessed 15 Dec. 2017].

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Tight fitting clothing must be worn for technique class.
Allaboutdance.com. (2017). [online] Available at: https://www.allaboutdance.com/image/zoom/cc123_aad_2.jpg [Accessed 15 Dec. 2017].

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A thermostat which is fitted into all studios to ensure the room is kept at a good temperature.

Uk.images.search.yahoo.com. (2017). thermostat - Yahoo Image Search results. [online] Available at https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/styles/article_hero/public/thermostat_11894428.jpg?itok=rmDN5vRR [Accessed 15 Dec. 2017].

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The Female Athlete Triad

Athletelifedevelopment.blogspot.co.uk. (2014). The Female Athlete Triad. [online] Available at: http://athletelifedevelopment.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-female-athlete-triad.html [Accessed 7 Dec. 2017].

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For many athletes, participation in exercise is a healthy pursuit. Unfortunately, for a significant proportion, exercise can lead to, or exacerbate one or all of the trio of conditions which constitute what is termed the Female Athlete Triad. This blog looks at the triad, highlights why it should be of concern to female athletes and their coaches, and suggests some interventions to prevent or treat the conditions of the triad.

The condition comprises the following:

Disordered eating or an eating disorder
2. Low bone mineral density, usually in the form of osteopenia (less severe) or osteoporosis (more severe)
3. Absent or irregular menstrual cycles (olgiomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea)

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the triad is interrelated in aetiology (causes), pathogenesis (symptoms), and consequences.The triad can result in long-term medical and psychological illness, as well as in short-term declines in physical performance.

Stress fractures, related to declined oestrogen levels, an insufficient diet and subsequently reduced bone mineral density are a major concern for athletes, and anything that increases osteoporosis, a highly debilitating disease which increases with age, is of major concern to society.

Body composition, eating disorders and disordered eating

Body mass and body composition can be a major obsession of athletes in certain sports, particularly those related to those which are subjectively scored (figure skating, diving, synchronised swimming, body building and gymnastics), those where a lean body mass and low can help performance (high jump), endurance sports associated with low body mass (distance running, cross country skiing), weight-restricted sports (lightweight rowing, boxing and some martial arts, horse racing), and sports which require reviling clothing during performance (cheerleading, diving, swimming, beach volleyball and gymnastics).Athletes in these sports are particularly susceptible to disordered eating and eating disorders.

A low percent body fat can directly lead to menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density.Practices, such as restricted or unhealthy eating practices, insufficient calorie intake, insufficient mineral intake, obsessive exercising and eating disorders, which lead to low body mass, can have additional indirect effects on menstrual health, and bone mineral density.

Eating disorders in themselves can lead to severe morbidity, and even death.Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are severe psychological illnesses, and require early diagnosis and treatment to limit the long-term effects of the sufferer.Individuals who develop an eating disorder enter a downward spiral of self-destruction and denial and obsessive behaviour, and the longer it goes untreated, the more difficult it is to break out of the situation.

Anorexia nervosa can be caused by a number of reasons, and suffers will require professional treatment relevant to the source of their illness.Though clinical eating disorders may not be much more prevalent in sport than in the general population, a range of sub-clinical form of eating issues, known collectively as disordered eating, or anorexia athletic, are extremely prevalent in sports people.Suffers often intentionally attempt to reduce their weight because they perceive it to be important in their sport, and engage in unhealthy practices to do so.Disordered eating can lead to menstrual dysfunction, low bone mineral density, impaired performance and a range of other illnesses, and injury risks.

Some warning signs include:

Excessive concern about body size or shape

Noticeable fluctuations in weight

Changes in 'normal' eating behaviours

Obsession with food

Eating alone

Excessive exercising

Depressed mood, low self-esteem

Use of diet pills, laxatives

Going to the bathroom frequently after meals

Fear about gaining weight or becoming fat

Bloodshot eyes, smell of vomit

Amenorrhoea and menstrual dysfunction

Amenorrhoea, i.e. prolonged absence of menstrual bleeding, is probably the most recognisable and easily assessed of the three component parts of the triad.Sports participation, with or without the co-existence of disordered eating, is shown to be higher in female athletes than their sedentary counterparts.Low body mass, inadequate energy intake and physical and psychological stress and training history are just some of the proposed contributing factors.Prolonged menstrual dysfunction, and the associated reduction in oestrogen levels, can have prolonged detrimental affects on bone mineral density.

Bone mineral density, osteopenia and osteoporosis

Bone mineral density, which generally increases in response to impact exercise, can actually be compromised in response to sudden, sever increases in training volume, low oestrogen levels, insufficient nutrient intake and low body mass.Low bone mineral density is significant, not only because of the long-term risk of osteoporosis, but also because of the short-term injury risk for the athlete.Stress fractures have been shown to be higher in athletes with low bone mineral density, and take longer to heal in those with contributing risk factors.

Treatment is often difficult, as athletes will likely resist increasing body weight and decreasing training loads.Athletes also find it difficult to admit to menstrual problems and eating problems, particularly if they have spiraled deep into the circle if self-destruction and denial.Early diagnosis is important.Treatment of eating disorders, which should be undertaken by qualified staff, is paramount.

Menstrual disturbance should be medically assessed to ensure that it's not pathological.The return of menses, which should occur after a reduction in training volume and a return to a healthy body weight is ideal.A reduction in training volume of around 10% is recommended, though this does vary from one individual to the next.Energy intake should be increased gradually.

The contraceptive pill and other hormonal medications are prescribed in many cases, but don't cure the underlying causes.Bone mineral density has been shown to increase after the resumption of menses, but bone mineral density may never return to normal levels, even after years of regular menses and hormonal use.

There is lots of useful information relating to the Triad on the Female Athlete Triad Colation website.

Some useful information relating to eating disorders can be found on the B-eat website (uk) and on Bodywhys (Ireland).

The Eating Disorders in Sport research group at Loughborough University also have good information on their website, and look for research participants from time to time.

UK Sport produced a good downloadable booklet entitled Eating Disorders in Sport which is specifically designed for practitioners and coaches working with high performance athletes.

A number of good books are available for those suffering from eating disorders as well as those supporting those suffering from anorexia and bulima. These are just some of the options available:

Eating disorders are not exclusive to women, and there is an increasing rate of disordered eating, body
dismorphic disorder and biogrexia among male exercisers. This book highlights some of the issues:

Here are some good general books looking at issues faced by female athletes:

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For many athletes, participation in exercise is a healthy pursuit. Unfortunately, for a significant proportion, exercise can lead to, or exacerbate one or all of the trio of conditions which constitute what is termed the Female Athlete Triad.

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Hyper-mobility symptoms. What you should and shouldn't do.

nhs.uk. (2017). Joint hypermobility syndrome. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/joint-hypermobility-syndrome/ [Accessed 16 Nov. 2017].

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Joint hypermobility syndrome is where you get pain and stiffness from having very flexible joints. Read more about how it’s diagnosed and managed.

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Injuries that could be caused by performance-enhancing drugs.

Sciencentral (2008). Muscle Drug Injuries. [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpvzPydFZC8 [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017].

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Performance-enhancing drugs may weaken tendons. As this ScienCentral news video explains, scientists studying new drugs being tested for treating muscular dystrophy say that steroids likely work the same way.

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Dance nutrition with Leslie Bonci at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

UPMC (2014). Dance Nutrition with Leslie Bonci. [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUbTBYlYmic [Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].

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Dance Nutrition with Leslie Bonci at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre