Effects of Using the Dance Aerobic Fitness Test (DAFT) in Training to Improve Cardiovascular Stamina and Endurance in Collegiate Level Dancers

Abstract

While dancers attend daily technique classes and rehearsals, they often struggle with cardiovascular stamina and endurance due to the anaerobic nature of dance training. This proves to be consequential during a dancer’s performance season because they often are unable to maintain a healthy heart rate during fast-paced dance works. Additionally, they struggle to recover after many fast-paced movements, thus making it more difficult for them to complete an entire performance. Cross training has been proven to be very beneficial for dancers’ cardiovascular stamina and endurance. This study consisted of a control group that did not train in DAFT or Plyometric HIIT but still participated in Modern and Ballet dance technique classes three times a week, with each class lasting an hour and twenty minutes. The DAFT group participated in training as well as Modern and Ballet dance technique classes three times a week. The Plyometric HIIT group participated in training along with Modern and Ballet dance technique classes three times a week. The participants were evaluated on their maintenance of proper technique throughout the testing procedures and the maximum heart rate was collected manually via finding the participant’s pulse for ten seconds. The maintenance of the technique at high levels of activity was an indicator of cardiovascular fitness. The heart rate was taken after each stage and after a two-minute recovery period. These values were compared to analyze dancers’ cardiovascular fitness.