Why supplementary training for dancers?

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.