Search

Video analysis has become a useful tool in the preparation for sport performance and its use has highlighted the diff erent physiological demands of seemingly similar sports and play- ing positions. The aim of the current study was to examine the performance diff erences between classical ballet and contemporary dance. In total 93 dance performances (48 ballet and 45 con- temporary) were analysed for exercise inten- sity, changes in direction and specifi c discrete skills (e. g., jumps, lifts). Results revealed signifi - cant diff erences between the 2 dance forms for exercise intensity (p < 0.001), changes in direc- tion (p < 0.001) and discrete skills (p < 0.05) with gender diff erences noted in the latter (p < 0.05). Ballet was characterised by longer periods at rest (38 s.min − 1 ) and high to very high exercise intensities (9 s.min − 1 ), whilst contemporary dance featured more continuous moderate exercise intensities (27 s.min − 1 ). These diff erences have implications on the energy systems utilised during perform- ance with ballet potentially stressing the anaer- obic system more than contemporary dance. The observed high rates in the discrete skills in ballet (5 jumps.min − 1 ; 2 lifts.min − 1 ) can cause local muscular damage, particularly in relatively weaker individuals. In conclusion, classical bal- let and contemporary dance performances are as signifi cantly diff erent in the underlying physical demands placed on their performers as the artis- tic aspects of the choreography.