Do Increases in Selected Fitness Parameters Affect the Aesthetic Aspects of Classical Ballet Performance?

Abstract

Research has indicated that classical ballet dancers tend to have lower fitness levels and increased injury rates compared to other athletes with similar workloads. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of a specifically tailored fitness training programme on the incidence of injury and the aesthetic quality of performance of classical ballet dancers compared to a control group. Proficiency in performance was evaluated at the beginning and end of the intervention period for both groups through a 4-min dance sequence using previously ratified marking criteria. The intervention group (n = 8) partook in a weekly 1-hr training session that included aerobic interval training, circuit training, and whole body vibration (WBV) All dancers’ performance proficiency scores increased from pre-intervention testing to post-intervention. The intervention group’s overall performance scores demonstrated a significantly greater increase (p = 0.03) than the equivalent for the control group. It was concluded that supplementary fitness training has a positive effect on aspects related to aesthetic dance performance as studied herein; further research is recommended on a larger and more varied sample. Practical applications from this study suggest that supplemental training should be part of a ballet dancer’s regime, and minimal intervention time is required to have observable effects.

The effect of strength and plyometric training on functional dance performance in elite ballet and modern dancers

“…Several of the reviewed trials found positive effects of strength training, generally using free-weights or universal gym, on their selected performance measures. 13,14 This concurs with literature that examines the effects of strength training in other athletic populations. 5,6 Although both ballet and modern dance have unique attributes, especially when compared to sports and other athletics, it is reasonable to assume that dancers' muscles should have positive physiologic responses to strength training as seen in athletic populations.…”

“…Twitchett et al investigated the effects of a onetime per week for 10 weeks intervention programme consisting of strength (via circuit training) and an aerobic programme in pre-professional ballet dancers compared to a dance-only control. 13 The functional outcome measure was a validated ballet performance proficiency test that included pre-post study video analysis by an experienced instructor using a validated outcome tool that measured certain technical and artistic characteristics of ballet. The experimental group demonstrated significant gains in particular performance proficiency measures, including a beneficial change in total proficiency score (Pv0.05) and sub-categories: control (P50.039), skill (P50.043), 'X' factor (evoking emotional response from assessor) (P50.033).…”

“…In the five studies that measured thigh/calf girth or body fat, pre-and post-intervention, there was no significant change in any anthropometric measures. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] This is an important factor for dancers as many dancers have been traditionally wary of engaging in supplementary strength and plyometric training out of fear of excessive muscle hypertrophy that could change the aesthetics of body appearance, technique and general, dance artistry. This information could positively affect dancers by decreasing hesitation in engaging in supplementary strength and plyometric training.…”

Time Motion and Video Analysis of Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance Performance

“…Although it has been recognised that there are fundamental artistic diff erences between classical ballet and contemporary dance [13] , the present study is the fi rst to show through video analysis that these diff erences manifest themselves also within the perceived physical stresses placed upon the dancers ' bodies. Previous research has shown little variation in the physical demands of dance class across the genres [14] and therefore supplemental training is required to prepare dancers for the increased demands of dance performance [41,46] . Further research is required on other dance styles as well as examining the potential diff erences in movement and intensities during dance class, rehearsal and performance.…”

Relationship Between Performance Competence and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Contemporary Dance

“…In dance of all genres, technical aspects are often the sole focus of training; however, the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness in dance training and performance has been a topic of investigation in previous research. 1,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Within this body of research, it is suggested that the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness for dancers goes beyond the potential benefit to aesthetic or performance ability of the dancer that is outwardly observable during performance and extends to general health benefits, fatigue resistance, and the dancers' overall ability to cope with the physiological demands placed upon them by training and performance. Previous research has; however, consistently reported low cardiorespiratory fitness levels in various dance populations, 5,12 yet the extent to which this impacts upon the observable performance ability of the dancer is not clear.…”