| search by category |
Analysis of Modern Dance Performance
Angioi, Manuela MSc, PhD student, University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom; Twitchett, Emily BSc(Hons) GSR, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, United Kingdom; and Wyon, Matthew PhD, University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Previous research (Chmelar et al. 1988; Chatfield et al. 1990; Wyon et al. 2000; Wyon et al. 2002; Wyon, 2003) suggested that dance is a high ? intensity, intermittent type of exercise.
The main aim of the present study was to establish the physical and physiological demands of modern dance performance and to develop a method of analysing dance performance, based on the match analysis system, which within sport, allows sport scientists to better understand the physiological, biomechanical and skill demands being placed on the athlete during competition.
50 professional modern dancers (m = 25; f = 25) volunteered. They were monitored either during a dance performance or a dress rehearsal using a portable Gas Analyser (Metamax). Breath by breath and heart rate data were analysed by calculating the time spent in specific heart rate and oxygen consumption bands. In addition 60 video movement analyses of modern dance performances were completed to calculate work: rest ratio and carry out movement analysis. Four fields were assessed every 30 seconds (work intensity; partner, descriptive, transitory). Work: rest ratio calculations from basic movement video analysis were subsequently compared to the physiological data.
Preliminary data from the video analysis have produced a clear descriptive scenario of physical demands placed on dancers during performance. Results are expressed in minutes (work total time and partner field) and occurrence per minutes (transitory movements) to provide a quantified description of the work loads (table 1). The mean percentage work-time of 69.19% supports previous studies results (Wyon 2003). It was also noted that during performance full body movement is employed with a diversity of transitory movements.
Table 1 : Movement analysis results. Graph 1: Work intensity.
|
Work total (min): m = 14.75 ± 14.43 |
|
Partner (min): |
|
Own m= 6.0 ± 5.94 ; |
|
Others m = 8.8 ± 8.41 |
|
Lifts 0-28 (0.1+0.12) |
|
Transitory (occurrence p/ min): |
|
Jumps: 0-176 (2.0 ± 2.00) |
|
Plies: 32-310 ( 8.7 ± 8.68) |
|
Change of direction: 0-25 (0.5 ± 0.48) |
|
Stand to floor: 0-14 (0.4 ± 0.40) |
|
Floor to stand: 0-14 (0.4 ± 0.39) |
Graph 1: Percentage time at specific intensities
Although at the current time not all results have been processed, preliminary found data suggest that performance is a high ? intensity, intermittent exercise form utilising both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Supplemental training programmes should reflect these demands thereby optimising dancers preparation for performances.
References:
Bahr, R. and O. Gronnerod (1992). Effect of supramaximal exercise on excess post exercise O2 consumption Medicine and science in sports and exercise 24 (1) : 66 ? 71.
Chmelar, R. D., B. B. Schultz, R. O. Ruhling, T. A. Shepherd, M. F. Zupan and S. S. Fitt (1988). "A physiologic profile comparing levels and styles of female dancers." The Physician and Sportsmedicine 16(7).
Chatfield, S. J., W. C. Brynes, D. A. Lally and S. E. Rowe (1990). "Cross-sectional physiologic profiling of modern dancers." Dance Research Journal 22(1): 13-20.
D?Ottavio S. and C. Castagna (2001). Analysis of match activities in elite soccer referees during actual match play. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 15 (2) : 167 -171
D?Ottavio S. and C. Castagna (2001). Physiological load imposed on elite soccer referees during actual match play Journal of Sport Medicine and Physical Fitness 41 (1): 27:32
Wyon, M. A., E. Redding, A. Head and C. Sharpe (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, Journal of Dance Medicine and Science
Wyon, M., A. Head, C. Sharp and E. Redding (2002). "The Cardiorespiratory Responses to Modern Dance Classes: Differences Between University, Graduate, and Professional Classes." Journal of Dance Medicine and Science 6(2): 41-45.
Wyon, M. (2003). Cardiorespiratory demands of contemporary dance. School of Life and Sport Sciences. London, University of Roehampton, Surrey.
PAGE
PAGE 1