The embodied experience of the spine: supporting dancers with scoliosis through yoga and experiential anatomy

Carter-Quinlan, Narelle BAppSc, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 

To inhabit the landscape of a scoliosis presents a dancer with unique challenges. Within this asymmetrical structure, bony, ligamentous and muscular elements of the spine are loaded in a manner that potentially enhances the risk of injury and early degenerative changes.  Scoliosis has been reported to have a higher incidence within the dance population.

Whilst usually executing a clear bisecting pathway through the body, the curving river of the spine is now circuitous; with sequelae including alteration of proprioception and balance, impaired cardiopulmonary function and altered fatigability and recovery of spinal muscles. 

Whilst bracing protocols have been shown to limit curve progression, these may not be viable for the dancer. Bracing diminishes cardiopulmonary efficiency and increased patient discomfort/pain levels together with adverse psychosocial effects are reported. Furthermore, brace and surgically treated patients demonstrate reduced spinal mobility and muscle endurance. 

Iyengar yoga, with its attention to precise anatomical alignment, may progressively rehabilitate imbalances within the musculoskeletal system, which affect spinal alignment and posture. Of course yoga facilitates a deep awareness of the kinesthesia of the body; the inner terrain. 

The proposed presentation of yoga asanas (poses) is offered as a means of exploring the experience of length, de-rotation, left/right symmetry and posterior/anterior relationship within the ecology of the scoliotic spine. Direct experiences of internal geography, organs, fluid systems, human developmental movement patterns, are facilitated as part of this process, so that a dancer comes to know, as felt experience, this topography. Props, as appropriate will support this process. These are supplied.

This movement session is appropriate to dance educators, dance medicine practitioners and body-workers and dancers, with or without a diagnosed scoliosis, in the interest of developing an intimate relationship with the spine and its care, both in preparation for, and during dance.