UC Irvine

This thesis explores how to incorporate muscular strengthening and cardiorespiratory conditioning within a collegiate level modern dance technique class. The methodology for this study included three main components: literature review, interviews, and workshops. Previous research on this specific topic mainly tracked the benefits of conditioning for dancers outside of the technique class, rather than incorporating conditioning within a dance technique class. The main components researched were the proper frequency, intensity, time, and type of strengthening and cardiorespiratory conditioning needed to induce physiological adaptation in dancers. Interviews were conducted with dance professionals who teach collegiate level modern dance and supplemental training practitioners who work with dancers. Based on commonalities found within the literature and interviews, two thirty-minute modern dance workshops were designed. UCI dance majors participated in the workshops and were surveyed for feedback. This body of work increases our knowledge in the area of conditioning for dancers. It helps to develop a framework to aid dance instructors in applying muscular strengthening and cardiorespiratory conditioning into technique classes of their own. The ability of dance instructors to incorporate conditioning into technique classes may help to improve the fitness of dancers. In turn, this increased level of fitness may enable dancers to perform at greater levels with less injury allowing collegiate level dancers a better chance at professional careers.