IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

Support Programme Within a Dance Company   [read the french version]

Author :   Matthew Wyon, MSc

Development and Application of a Dance Science
Support Programme Within a Dance Company:
The Role of an Exercise Physiologist


Matthew Wyon, MSc
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, St Martin’s College
Lancaster, Lancashire, England


The role of the physiologist within a dance company is two-fold: education and intervention, though both are closely linked. In both cases a close working relationship between the exercise physiologist and the dance staff or healthcare team is essential.

The first step in the intervention process is to collect baseline data about the company. This includes fitness test results and data from classes and performances. These provide the backbone to the intervention strategies employed. Education must run alongside the implementation of any intervention as research has shown that adherence to a training program is greatly improved when the participant understands the mechanics of what is required and why.

The relationship of the exercise physiologist within the healthcare team is focussed on returning the injured dancer back to dance fitness quickly and developing prevention strategies that will reduce the chance of the injury occurring again. The aim of these strategies is to initially develop the dancer to a level of fitness so that they can cope with the demands of class, start skill development, and then develop their training so it becomes more dance specific.

Information from the dance staff provides specific goals and requirements for forthcoming pieces or baseline fitness levels that the dance staff deem necessary to cope with class, rehearsal or performance. The exercise physiologist is there to provide supplementary training programs to complement the skill training provided by the dance staff. Initially the aim is to develop an underlying aerobic base and work capacity. Following this phase the training becomes more dance specific with the development of appropriate energy and muscular systems.

This lecture will present the baseline fitness tests and requirements as set by the company. An example of the company’s year with a periodized training program based on prevention and preparation for multiple performance periods will also be reviewed.