Musculoskeletal Eligibility for Professional Dance: Prerequisites - Special Considerations - Examinations

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Classical dance (ballet) is often compared to high-performance sport in terms of its demands on the body and psyche. During the last century, the physical requirements have increased to such an extent that artistic aptitude alone is no longer sufficient to start a professional training. If a professional training is started although the necessary musculoskeletal criteria are not fully met, the risk of injury, overload damage and associated drop-out of training increases. However, initial medical examinations and checkups accompanying the professional training are only optional and therefore not available in all professional training institutions. The role of a medical doctor in the qualifying examination is merely advisory for the institution. Regarding musculoskeletal eligibility, a distinction can be made between absolute (= not modifiable: e. g. fixed back stiffening, limited en dehors capability, rigid hollow foot) and relative (= up to individual decision: e. g. hyperflexibility, scoliosis, hip extension deficit) contraindications. At the same time, criteria can be defined that support aptitude. A standardised, mandatory medical fitness examination for the training of professional dance could help to protect adolescents from acute injuries and the consequences of chronic misuse or overload.