IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

The Development of a Dance Specific Anaerobic Fitness Test   [read the french version]

Author :   Emma Redding, BA, & Al.

The Development of a Dance Specific Anaerobic Fitness Test

Emma Redding, BA, Laban Centre London
London, England
Matthew Wyon, MSc, St. Martins College
Lancaster, England

The aim of this study was to design a protocol for evaluating the anaerobic fitness levels of dancers. Dance is a non steady state activity of low to high intensity with intermittent bursts of anaerobic phases. It follows that dance training should therefore include both aerobic and anaerobic exercises so as to help improve the cardiovascular capabilities that are appropriate to dance.

In recent years Sports Science has demonstrated the importance of devising training programmes and fitness tests that are activity specific; ie. Running tests for runners and cycle tests for cyclists. To date, there are no valid dance-specific fitness tests that measure anaerobic power.

The protocol was devised incorporating movements similar to those carried out during the last part of a typical Limon style Modern Dance class; jumps in first and parallel position, swings, lunges and rolls to the floor. Movements were set to a steady beat using a metronome. The movement phrase was carried out for 1 minute, followed by 1-minute rest. This sequence was repeated several times until the movements became compromised either artistically or technically or did not stay within the set tempo.

Professional dancers from Transitions Dance Company, Rambert Dance Company and Birmingham Royal Ballet as well as student dancers from Laban Centre London took part in the investigation to test the validity and reliability of the protocol. The technical level of the movement phrase was kept as choreographically simple as possible so as to reduce the possible effect of movement economy within test-retest situations and to allow the test to be used by less experienced as well as professional dancers. The oxygen consumption and heart rates of the dancers were measured throughout using portable gas analyzers. Blood lactate was also measured at the end of each 1-minute movement phrase.

Physiological testing is a fundamental component of training regimes, however, reliable and valid tests have not up until now, been developed for dance. Such a test can be useful in determining whether dancers are anaerobically fit enough for specific dance performances that require high intensity movement phrases. The test could be used for comparative analysis over time; before, during and after training; pre performance/tour or for dancers returning from vacation.


This presentation will include a short film of the dance specific anaerobic fitness test and will be supported by previous relevant and published research.