Physiological Elements Required by Dancers

Abstract

Abstract Dancing is an excellent alternative exercise for improving health related physical fitness elements. Dance performance requires support from enhanced physiological requirements necessary for dancers including cardiovascular fitness, muscle flexibility, muscular strength/power. A reduction in muscular strength associate with injury risk and many dancers succumb to problems such as the overtraining syndrome. Improvement in lower body muscular strength appears to have positive effects on aspects of dance performance and injury prevention. The qualities and benefits offered by dancing depend on the dance forms concerned but as a general rule, it improves physical health by developing strength, suppleness, coordination and balance in varying amounts. This literature study showed differences in fitness levels exist between in different dance forms but also in levels of dancers. As in most sports, dancing is a demanding exercise form for all styles dancers, taxing both aerobic and anaerobic processes and develops high levels of muscle tension. Joint mobility and body composition are also important parts of dance fitness. Dance training consists of technique and style training with an aim to increase the skill level of dancers. Furthermore, it needs more investigation whether improved physical fitness has positive effect on dance performance.