Effects of a Modified Ballet Class on Strength and Jumping Ability in College Ballet Dancers

The ability to jump high with precision is an important component of the ballet dancer's technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a modified ballet class on strength and jumping ability in high level female dancers. Seventeen female ballet students were divided into two groups, experimental and control, and tested before and after an 8-week, 2 times/week intervention for peak torque of knee extensors and flexors at 60°and 180°, and jumping ability (squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement with arm swing jump, sauté in first position, and sauté in first position with port de bras). Statistical analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (Anova 2x2) with repeated measure of factor time (pre and post). T-test with Bonferroni adjustment was used to assess any differences between groups. The experimental group showed improvement in height (7.7%), takeoff velocity (4.0%), and power (5.1%) of the squat jump. In addition, increases were revealed in peak (60°, 11.9%; 180°, 7.8%) and relative peak torque (60°, 13.2%; 180°, 9.2%) of the right knee flexors. Moreover, enhancements of the knee flexor-extensor strength ratio in both angular velocities were found (60°, 10.4%; 180°, 9.7%). These outcomes suggest that the proposed program could help ballet dancers improve the height of their vertical jumps and leg strength.