Knee Anatomy for Dancers | Muscles, Tendons, & Ligaments Explained

What do the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the knee actually do, and why are they so important for dancers? In this Ballet Science Podcast episode, Caroline Simpkins breaks down how these soft tissues work together to power movement, protect the knee, and prevent injuries. You’ll learn how quad dominance develops, why hamstring and glute strength matter, how tendon overuse leads to jumper’s knee, what the ACL, MCL, and other ligaments really do, and why forcing turnout from the knees is a recipe for injury. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, or just curious about movement science, this episode gives you practical tools for performance, strength, and long-term joint health.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the knee that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes