Association between Participating in Ballet and Modern Dance Class and Anaerobic Parameters

Background: In spite of the dramatic increase in the choreographic demands during the last decade, there have been no significant changes in the training methods of ballet and modern dance. Although physical fitness has been shown to have a positive influence on aesthetic parameters, performance skills, reducing injuries and extending career life, research has shown that dancers present low values in all physiological parameters compared to athletes and normal healthy individuals.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anaerobic parameters of dancers, compared to non-dancers.

Methods: Three anaerobic parameters were measured: lower body, center and upper body muscular endurance. Eighty-two junior high school girls participated. Twenty-nine students participated in dance class, 12 participated in sport class and 31 participated twice a week in a regular physical education class. All participants studied at the same junior high school and were the same age. Participants were required to accomplish three test protocols: the Plank test, Push up test and Jump high test. The dance students were required to do the Jump high test also in a Turn out position.

Results: No significant differences were found between the groups. Although the dance students practice many hours a day, they showed the lowest means in all three tests. No significant differences were found between the Jump high test and the Jump high in turn out test.

Conclusion: In order to fulfill the physiological demands of dancing, coaches must better understand their dancers` physical needs and add supplemental practice to their training program.