IADMS Madrid 2001   [back to the Category]

A comparative analysis of the physiological responses.....   [read the french version]

Author :   Emma Redding, MSc

Saturday 3 November 2001
1:15 – 1:35 pm Room 2

A comparative analysis of the physiological responses to training before and at the end of a performing period of two dance companies

Emma Redding, MSc, Laban Centre, London, Matthew Wyon, MSc, Dept. of Sports Science, University of Lancaster, Lancashire; England

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the physiological profiles of dancers during a touring period of performing repertory. Dance companies tend to structure an intense training period before performing which consists of daily class and long rehearsals. The rehearsals involve the running of each piece several times a day. It is expected therefore that the dancers are at their fittest just before the performance period but is this level of fitness maintained throughout the tour? In pervious Sports Science studies, results have shown that the cardiovascular training phase of an athlete happens at the beginning of the season and is often reduced during the playing / performance part of the season. Other studies both in sport and dance have shown that the rate of injuries increases during the performance phase of the season and it has been noted that a low level of cardiovascular fitness can contribute toward an increased risk of injury. On the other hand, it is probable that the dancers economy of movement would improve with the repeated performing of pieces as would their confidence and qualitative performance skills. This greater economy of movement may help reduce the dancers heart rate and oxygen consumption during the performances but would their fitness levels be maintained? The aim of this study was to assess whether there was a de-training effect by the end of the tour.
Ten dancers from Rambert Dance Company and ten dancers from Transitions Dance Company took part in the investigation. During the week proceeding their touring period and the week following it, the oxygen consumption and heart rates of the dancers were measured using the multi-stage D.A.F.T. (Dance Specific Fitness Test) developed by Wyon and Redding (2000) using portable K4 b2 gas analyzers. Blood lactate and body composition measurements were also taken.
It seems there is a belief that once the dancer is ready to perform, the daily warm-up class (which often replaces the technique class) and the evening performance itself from then onwards are sufficient in maintaining the dancers’ cardiovascular fitness. With a good level of cardiovascular fitness, the dancer can execute the dancing at lower intensities allowing him/her to concentrate on the more qualitative aspects of the dance. The physiological aspect of a dancer’s training is often overlooked and yet the results show that it may be necessary to include some performance specific training throughout the touring period.
The implications of this finding are that physiologists, dance educators and company and rehearsal directors can gain a greater understanding of the benefits of regular performance specific training throughout the period of touring and may therefore develop more effective training programs during this phase of the year for dancers.