Dance

Physiology of dance

Dance is amazing to watch. It involves a complex combination of athleticism and art. Of pure power and grace. Of extreme endurance and fluidity of motion.

As such, it is quite a fun challenge to work with dancers. Whether it’s performance-based conditioning or rehabilitation, the requirements dancers have are unique to their activity.

In general, dancers must be flexible, strong, coordinated, powerful and efficient with their movements.

A 2007 Greek study on training for Modern Dance found that a three month aerobic endurance and strength training program improves: dancing mechanics and movement efficiency, aerobic endurance (VO2max), flexibility, and leg strength. Further, these improvements do not hinder dance performance and they did not adversely change the dancers’ body composition (i.e., they did not get bigger; in fact, the researchers found a trend to decreased body composition).

Interestingly, there appears to be a high rate of osteoporosis in dancers; performing intense, weight bearing exercise might very well reduce that rate.

Common dance injuries

Dancers—especially those in ballet—have very high injury rates. Some professional companies have reported rates of up to 95% of their dancers injured annually!

Injuries seem to be more common with increased rehearsal time prior to performances or ballet exams.

There is a relationship between decreased strength and increased injury rates.

Most injuries involve the legs and back.

• More than 50% of injuries involve the foot and ankle
• Twenty percent of injuries involve the hip
• Fifteen percent of injuries involve the knee
• Nine percent of injuries involve the back

Dance Companies we’ve worked with:

• Diavolo Dance Company
• Various National Touring Companies
• Nebraska Dance
• Mildred Collins
• Adair Dance Academy
• Kitty Lee Dance
• Erin’s Dance Studio