The development of a dance specific high intensity fitness test

Redding, Emma MSc, Laban, London, United Kingdom; Weller, Peter PhD, City University, London, United Kingdom; Ehrenberg, Shantel MSc Laban, London, United Kingdom; Irvine, Sarah MSc, Laban, London, United Kingdom;; Quin, Edel MSc Laban, London, United Kingdom; Rafferty, Sonia MSc, Laban, London, United Kingdom;  and Wyon, Matthew PhD, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, UK

Introduction: Previous studies that have investigated the physiological status of dancers have often failed to acknowledge the concept of specificity in testing.^1,3 Studies have used standardised lab testing techniques adopted from sport rather than dance specific methods of measuring^1,3 and such tests have been shown to be unreliable.⁵ The dance specific aerobic fitness test (DAFT)⁵ has been the first step to address this issue and currently, several national and international dance companies and schools are using the test to monitor improvements in their dancers? aerobic fitness levels. However to date, there is no high intensity dance fitness test available even though research has shown dance to be high intensity interval exercise utilising both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems.⁴

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a dance specific high intensity fitness test. 

Methods: Five trained dancers (N=5) and forty (N=40) full time vocational modern dance students volunteered to take part in this study and all gave signed consent. The 5 trained dancers completed the test four times across four days and the 40 dancers were tested once. Physiological parameters measured were heart rate, blood lactate, oxygen uptake and rate of perceived exertion. The test consisted of 4 one minute stages of modern dance movement phrases interspersed with 2 min rest periods. The 1:2 work rest ratio is similar to the ratio noted previously in dance performance.^1,3 

Results: statistical analysis showed that the intensity level of the test was representative of the intensity measured in dance performance^1,3,4  and can be considered a dance specific high intensity fitness test. Results indicated that the test is reliable showing consistency across the 4 stages (p<0.05).

Discussion: A greater understanding of the energy requirements of dance and of the physiological status of dancers can help develop more effective and appropriate testing and training programmes for dancers.

References

1. Cohen, J.L., Segal, I.W. & McArdle, W.D. (1982). Cardiorespiratory responses to ballet exercise and VO₂ max of elite ballet dancers. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise. 14 (13): p. 212-217.

2. Redding, E., Wyon, M., Shearman, J. & Doggart, L. (2004). Validity of using heart rate as a  predictor of oxygen consumption in dance. Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. 8(3).

3. Schantz, P.G. & P.-O. Astrand, (1984). Physiological characteristics of classical ballet. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 1984. 16(5): p. 472-476.

4. Wyon, M.A., et al. (2000). The physiological cost of modern dance class and performance. The Tenth Annual Meeting of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. Miami, Florida, USA (also published in conference proceedings).

5. Wyon, M., Redding, E (2003). Development, reliability and validity of a multi-stage dance specific fitness test (DAFT). Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. 7(3).