UC Irvine

Dance majors are expected to demonstrate proficiency in ballet and modern dance. It is shared belief that the physical demands vary between dance styles. As a result, site of injury may be determined by each genre (Ambegaonkar et al., 2012). Researchers have stated modern dancers have increased injuries to the upper-body, due to weight-bearing movements (Angioi et al., 2008). A sufficient amount of muscular strength and endurance is needed to withstand the load placed on the shoulder region. Fitness parameters such as strength and endurance influence the potential risk of injury (Ambegaonkar et al., 2012).

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the upper-body strength and muscular endurance between collegiate modern and ballet dancers. The American College of Sports Medicine’s guidelines for the modified push-up test was used to assess these parameters (Riebe et al., 2016).

This study included thirty participants. The scores received by dancers were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney Test. The results concluded there was no significant difference between collegiate modern and ballet dancers’ upper-body strength and muscular endurance (p= 0.20). A probable explanation exists in the lack of supplemental training beyond technique classes (Ambegaonkar et al., 2012).

The objective is to equip dancers with the knowledge that cross-training is needed to meet the physical demands of different dance genres. In addition, for educators to prepare their students to safely transition into other dance forms. In return, results obtained from this research may provide insight to increase dancers’ performance and reduce risk of injury.