1. Dance classes alone are not
sufficient to create a fitness training effect.
Studies by Brown et al. (2007) and Angioi et al.(2012) found short term dance training was non effective in improving fitness requirements.
2. Reduces fatigue levels which could
lead to a decrease in injuries.
Liederbach and Deilgen (2008) and
Koutedakis et al. (2008) found reducing fatigue may lead to a decrease in
injuries such as ACL tears.
3. Prolong a dancers career
Koutedakis et al. (2008) and
Twitchett et al. (2009) hypothesised that by reducing injury occurrence and
strengthening the body, a professional career may be lengthened.
4. Counteract muscle imbalances from dance class (Koutedakis
et al., 2005)
5. Create a body fit for purpose in modern day dance (Twitchett et al., 2009)
6. A cost effective method to injury management
By reducing the time away from the
company due to injury, the company saves money through there being little need
to contract a temporary dancer and the dancer themselves reduces the chances of
loosing pay whilst out injured.
7. Greater performance quality
Studies have found there to be no
interference with the aesthetics of dance with the development of strength
through strength training. In fact they found an enhancement of
performance (Koutedakis et al., 2005 and Koutedakis and Sharp)
References
Twitchett, E. A., Koutedakis,
Y., & Wyon, M. A. (2009).
Physiological fitness and professional classical ballet performance: a brief
review. The Journal of
Strength & Conditioning Research, 23(9),
2732-2740.
Koutedakis, Y., Owolabi, E. O., & Apostolos, M. (2008). Dance
biomechanics: A tool for controlling health, fitness, and training. Journal of dance medicine &
science, 12(3), 83-90.
Koutedakis, Y.,
Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou, A., & Metsios,
G. (2005). The significance of muscular strength in dance. Journal of Dance Medicine &
Science, 9(1), 29-34.
Liederbach, M., Dilgen,
F. E., & Rose, D. J. (2008). Incidence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Injuries Among Elite Ballet and Modern Dancers A 5-year Prospective Study. The American Journal of Sports
Medicine, 36(9),
1779-1788.
Angioi,
M., Metsios, G., Twitchett, E. A., Koutedakis, Y., & Wyon M.
(2012). Effects of supplemental
training on fitness and aesthetic competence parameters in contemporary dance:
a randomised controlled trial. Medical
Problems of Performing Artists, 27, 3-8.
