Physiological Profiles of Performing and Recreational Early Adolescent Female Dancers

Abstract

A physiological profile of 40 early adolescent female dancers was completed to investigate the characteristics of dancers this age and the possible physical fitness benefits of high levels of dance training. Of those physical fitness variables studied, the only significant difference between performing (high level) and recreational (low level) dancers was the degree of hip flexibility (p<.01). Both groups exhibited lean body density (combined mean of 1.069 g ml−1) as well as moderate aerobic (combined mean of 45.8 ml kg−1 min−1) and anaerobic power (combined mean of 6.5 Watt kg−1). These data suggest that early adolescent dance training encourages a certain level of physical fitness, but higher levels or duration of dance training do not result in or demand exceptional aerobic or anaerobic power.