The Effect of a Traditional Ballet Barre Versus a Modified Ballet Barre on Flexibility, Ankle Stability, and Abdominal Strength & Endurance in Collegiate Dancers

Abstract

The knowledge of dance science has led towards prioritizing the physical and mental health of the dancer while still preserving the art’s history. Previous research has revealed that safe practices in a dance class include a dynamic warm-up, less dependence on the barre itself, and withholding static stretching until the conclusion of the class. This study compared the effect of two different structures of ballet barre on the flexibility, ankle stability, and abdominal strength & endurance of collegiate dancers among three groups; traditional ballet barre (TBB), the dance science ballet barre (DScBB), and the control group. TBB (n=2) participated in a traditional ballet class which begins with plies, incorporates static stretching as part of the warm-up before dancers transition to centerwork, and using the ballet barre throughout the entire warm-up. DScBB (n=2) participated in a class taught based on dance science research including the absence of a ballet barre, a ballet specific dynamic warm-up, and withholding static stretching until the end of the class. Each class was taught once a week over Zoom for an 8-week period at a college intermediate level and maintained the same structure each week. Pre and post-testing was completed to measure hamstring flexibility, ankle stability, and abdominal strength & endurance. The Modified Sit and Reach Test was used to evaluate the flexibility of the hamstring muscles, and The Plantar Flexion Repetition Test measured ankle stability. The Plank Hold Test and the FitnessGram Curl Up Test were used to measure the rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis endurance of the dancer. The results failed to reject the null hypothesis and were not statistically significant due to some restraints. There was a correlation between the DScBB and the abdominal strength & endurance of the dancers shown in the specific abdominal tests. Measured in the tests, the DScBB group’s abdominal strength & endurance increased, while the TBB decreased. Future studies should be done to provide ballet teachers with a barre structure that prioritizes the dancer’s physical health while preserving ballet’s history.