Journal of Dance Medicine & Science最新文献

{"title":"Profile of Global Professional Breakers Qualifying for the Olympic Games: Identifying Training Patterns, Mental Health, and Injury Characteristics.","authors":"Sophie Manuela Lindner, Nadja Schott, Sebastián Morales-Castillo, Jens Nonnenmann, Claudia Steinberg","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251383202","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251383202","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Breaking has been included in the 2024 Olympic Games; however, research on the training and injuries of professional breakers remains limited. This study examines the profiles of competitive breakers within national squads worldwide, focusing on the defining characteristics of professional breakers qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics regarding their training patterns, mental health, and injury characteristics. <b>Methods:</b> Sixty-four professional breakers, 27 males and 37 females, with a mean age of 26.4 ± 4.6 years from 43 national squads participated in this study (n = 17 elite athletes ranked from 1 to 64 in the 2023 Olympic ranking; n = 30 developing athletes ranked from 65 to 600; n = 17 non-ranked athletes as they did not participate in Olympic qualification competitions after that). They completed a questionnaire regarding their training and competition habits, their mental health, and the injuries sustained from breaking. ANOVAs with post-hoc comparisons were utilized to identify group differences based on the independent variables of elite level and sex. Multinomial logistic regression models examined associations between Olympic ranking and training parameters, mental health, and injuries. <b>Results:</b> Elite athletes participated in more competitions than developing athletes (<i>F</i>(2,56) = 6.86, <i>P</i> = .002, <math><mrow><msubsup><mi>η</mi><mi>p</mi><mn>2</mn></msubsup></mrow></math> = .20). Athletes across all groups experienced injuries in the previous 12 months, with muscle and joint injuries being the most frequently reported. Performing in the elite athletes' group in 2023 was significantly positively associated with the onset of breaking (OR 1.38), body conditioning (OR 2.18), and a Top 32 ranking in 2021 (OR 62.1) and significantly negatively associated with endurance training (OR 0.264), and body weight (OR 62.1). <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings provide insights into the profile of professional breakers qualifying for the Olympic Games, which are essential for optimizing performance, promoting health, and supporting the rapid development of this Olympic dance style.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"396-406"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145373158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toe Flexor Muscle Strength in Vocational Ballet Dancers: Reliability, Variability, and Minimal Detectable Change of a Custom-Made Dynamometer.","authors":"Anna Schrefl, Andrea Schärli, Jan-Peter Goldmann, Daniel Erlacher, Nico Kolokythas","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251344756","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251344756","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Toe flexor strength, which involves the combined activation of plantar intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles, is crucial for locomotion, balance, and performance. Strong toe flexors are particularly crucial for efficient propulsion during running and jumping. Therefore, strengthening the feet has gained increased attention in the general population, as well as among athletes and dancers. However, accurately assessing foot muscle strength remains challenging. This study investigated the within- and between-session reliability of toe flexor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) using a custom-made dynamometer. <b>Method:</b> Twenty-five vocational ballet students (23 females and two males; age: 16.48 ± 1.2 years; mass: 53.06 ± 8.84 kg; height: 167.14 ± 6.4 cm; forefoot length: 6.55 ± 0.44 cm) participated in two data collection sessions 48 to 72 hours apart with three trials each session. The toes were positioned at a 25° dorsiflexion angle on the dynamometer. <b>Results:</b> Between-session reliability showed good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for absolute MVIC (aMVIC) of the right and left foot (ICC = 0.89-0.95; 95% CI: 0.75-0.96; coefficient of variation [CV]: 4.63-6.45). Toe flexor strength normalized to forefoot length and body weight (rTFS) was excellent for both feet (ICC = 0.91-0.95; 95% CI: 0.79-0.98; CV: 4.8-6.4). The minimal detectable change (MDC) ranged from 9.7% to 13.7% of individual scores. Within-session ICC values ranged from 0.92 to 0.95 (95% CI: 0.70-0.98), indicating excellent reliability across all measures. <b>Discussion:</b> Based on these findings, we recommend conducting at least one familiarization session and three trials per session to reduce the variability in toe flexor muscle strength measurements. The toe flexor dynamometer shows great potential for future research on toe flexor muscle strength in dancers, as well as monitoring back-to-stage rehabilitation progress and assessing pointe readiness.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"215-223"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low Back Pain and Dance: A quantitative Analysis.","authors":"Roman Imhof, Thomas Fischer, Daniela Becker","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251345943","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251345943","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Lower back pain (LBP) is a common issue among dancers across various styles. This study aims to investigate the 12-month prevalence, level of disability, duration and frequency of LBP episodes in a sample of dancers engaged in different dance styles. Additionally, it seeks to identify risk factors for low back pain, including dance style, sociodemographic factors, and psychosocial factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey was conducted via an online questionnaire utilizing www.SoSciSurvey.de. 77 dancers aged between 14 and 45 years, who danced at least 1 hour per week on average, were included. The sample comprised both recreational and professional dancers, exhibiting a wide range of workloads. Participants conveyed their sociodemographic Information, parameters related to their dancing and their 12-month prevalence of LBP including the duration and frequency of LBP episodes. To assess the degree of LBP induced disability, participants completed the Oswestry disability Index (ODI). A Chi-squared Test (Prevalence), Kruskal-Wallis Test (H-test), and Spearman correlation (confounders) were conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 12-month prevalence of LBP in the cohort was high with 83.1%. The dance style did not have a statistically significant impact on the 12-month prevalence (<i>P</i> = .844) and the ODI (<i>P</i> = .065). Satisfaction with their own dance performance, coaching staff and the dance group, as well as heavy manual labor, smoking and psychological comorbidities were all statistically significantly correlated with at least 1 of the outcomes (<i>P</i> < .05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Psychosocial factors, psychological comorbidities, and lifestyle factors such as occupation and smoking status impacted LBP. Dance style did not affect LBP significantly.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"251-260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comparative Analysis on Work Ability and Influencing Factors among Professional Freelance and Company Dancers.","authors":"Hannah Sophia Hofmann, Nina Marie Schmidt, Johanna Lachmann, Matthias Sand, Ingo Froböse, Bianca Biallas","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251356709","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251356709","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There are similarities in physical and psychological demands, but differences in working conditions between professional freelance and company dancers. The purpose of this study is to examine the work ability of professional dancers working in both of these fields and to analyze influencing factors associated with each work model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A partially standardized survey was used to collect sociodemographic and dance-specific data. Work Ability Index (WAI) scores were also collected. The sample consisted of 247 participants (172 freelance and 75 company dancers). Differences between the subgroups were analyzed using Analyses of Variance (ANOVA), parametric and non-parametric tests. Factors impacting the WAI score(s) were determined by the employment of several generalized linear regression models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample shows moderate to good work ability, and statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between professional freelance and company dancers (<i>P</i> = .984). There are significant differences between the subgroups of professional dancers in terms of age (<i>P</i> < .01), ethnicity (<i>P</i> < .001), predominant dance style (<i>P</i> < .001), weekly training hours (<i>P</i> < .001), number of workplaces (<i>P</i> < .001), and distribution of work content (<i>P</i> < .001). Regression shows that negative factors for WAI are female (RF = -2.438, <i>P</i> < .1) and non-binary gender (RF = -7.822, <i>P</i> < .5) and increasing number of workplaces (RF = -1.125, <i>P</i> < .05). Positive factors include work in commercial (RF = 6.399, <i>P</i> < .01) and jazz dance (RF = 6.503, <i>P</i> < .01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Professional freelance and company dancers generally demonstrate moderate to good work ability, which indicates that there is room to increase the proportion of those with very good work ability. Given that ability to work is influenced by multiple factors, special attention should be given to female and non-binary dancers, who are more likely to experience negative impacts on their work ability.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"261-271"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144691981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Coping Strategies and Trait Anxiety on Self-Reported Injuries Among Pre-professional Contemporary and Ballet Dancers: A Prospective Study.","authors":"Idir Chatar, Philippe Robert, Chloé Saumade, Peter Lewton Brain, Rogier M van Rijn, Janine H Stubbe, Andrea Soubelet, Valeria Manera","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251389074","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251389074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Injuries are prevalent in dance, affecting performance. Understanding injury risk factors is essential for prevention. Coping strategies and anxiety influence injury risk, yet their influence among pre-professional contemporary and ballet dancers aged 15+ remains underexplored. This transitional stage is marked by increased training intensity, heightened psychological demands, and performance pressure, increasing the risk of injury. This study examined the association between coping strategies, trait anxiety, and injury risk among contemporary and ballet pre-professional dancers aged 15+. <b>Methods:</b> In October 2022, participants from a French dance school completed an intake questionnaire assessing demographics (age, sex, injury history), dispositional coping strategies (Brief COPE), and trait anxiety (STAI-Y trait). From November 2022 to February 2023, participants completed monthly questionnaires assessing injuries, using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H) during a prospective follow-up. Injuries were defined as \"all-complaints injuries\" (any physical complaint irrespective of the need for medical attention and/or time loss) and/or \"substantial injuries\" (leading to moderate/severe/complete reduction in training volume or performance). Binomial logistic regression examined associations between demographics, coping strategies, trait anxiety, and injury risk. <b>Results:</b> Eighty-two dancers consented to participate. The final analysis included 31 (37.8%) participants (mean age: 17.4 ± 1.36 years) excluding those with pre-existing injuries reported in the intake (n = 8) or a completion rate < 30% (n = 43). Included participants had higher active coping scores than excluded students (<i>U</i> = 418.5, <i>P</i> = .006). The completion rate among included participants was 80.64%. Nineteen students (61.29%) reported at least 1 all-complaints injury. \"Humor\" as a coping strategy was associated with reduced risk of substantial injury (OR: 0.485, 95% CI: 0.25-0.96, <i>P</i> = .037). No associations were found between demographics, training volume, trait anxiety, and injury outcomes. <b>Conclusion:</b> Humor may be a coping strategy that reduces self-reported substantial injuries among pre-professional contemporary and ballet dancers. Encouraging appropriate humor during instruction may support injury prevention. <b>Level of Evidence:</b> 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"418-429"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Systematic Review of Irish Dance Screening Tests.","authors":"Amy Humphrey, Kathleen McGinnis, Annette Karim","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251376190","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251376190","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction</b>: Screening tests are used in the dance population to assess musculoskeletal status, neuromotor function, psychological wellness, performance capacity, nutrition, and medical history. Several screening tests have been developed over the past 20 years. To date, no review of screening tests for Irish dancers has been conducted. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the screening tests utilized in the Irish dance population. <b>Methods</b>: PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, CINAHL, ERIC, and SPORTDiscus medical databases were independently searched by three researchers for articles using the keywords \"Irish AND Danc*\" AND \"Test* OR assess* OR screen* OR evaluat*\" Inclusion criteria was full text articles and published in English. Two independent reviewers conducted the data extraction and appraised each article using the National Institute of Health's quality assessment tests. <b>Results</b>: Of the 75 articles found prior to deduplication, twenty-nine articles met inclusion criteria. After full-text review, 22 articles were accepted for our review. Most of the articles (59%) achieved good-quality methodological scores, seven articles (32%) achieved fair-quality scores, and two articles (9%) achieved poor-quality scores. During the data extraction process, over 50 screening tests were identified and categorized as either a subjective or objective test or measure. Subjective screening tests were placed in one of the following categories: descriptive data, general health, eating habits, sleep habits, psychological well-being, or injury surveillance. Objective screening tests were placed in one of the following categories: anthropometric tests, strength/power tests, cardiovascular tests, functional/movement tests, flexibility/mobility tests, balance/coordination tests, or other. No screening test was found to be validated for Irish dancers. <b>Conclusion</b>: The content of screening tests among the Irish dance population is varied, without standardization of norms to specific age and level of Irish dancer. Future studies should focus on validating screening tests in the Irish dance population.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"444-465"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Bilateral Comparison of Lower Limb Strength and Pirouette Performance in Elite Female Dancers.","authors":"Emma K Cullen, Penny E Hudson, Neal A Smith","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251375823","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251375823","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Traditional dance training is designed to develop a well-balanced dancer, yet laterality has the ability to impair bilateral strength and functional symmetry. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lateral preference on elite level dancers by conducting a bilateral comparison of lower limb strength and pirouette performance. A <i>pirouette</i> is an essential turning skill in dance technique, wherein multiple revolutions are completed on a single supporting leg along the longitudinal axis. <b>Methods:</b> Eight highly trained female dancers performed three maximal effort single leg countermovement jumps (SCMJ) on each lower limb, as well as ten single pirouette en dehors in both the preferred and non-preferred directions. <b>Results:</b> A lateral preference questionnaire indicated a rightward bias was prevalent amongst this group of dancers for both footedness and preferred turning direction. Significantly more successful pirouettes were performed in the preferred (73%) compared to the non-preferred condition (50%). The SCMJ data demonstrated no significant differences in jump height and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) at take-off, suggesting no bilateral strength asymmetry between the lower limbs. There were also no significant differences in any of the discrete biomechanical pirouette performance variables: displacement of the center of mass over center of pressure (COM-COP), trunk angle, knee flexion and external hip rotation of the gesture leg in retiré position, as well as GRF production and peak pelvic rotational angular velocity at push-off. However, non-significant trends toward greater COM-COP displacement at retiré (0.08 m ± 0.03 vs 0.06 m ± 0.04) and peak pelvic angular velocity at push-off (1.04 revs/s ± 0.20 vs 0.99 revs/s ± 0.22) were observed in the non-preferred compared to the preferred direction, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> Therefore, the lower success rate of non-preferred pirouettes may be a result of postural instability or the use of a less efficient weight transfer strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"363-371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Dance Experience on Loading Patterns Among Ballroom Dancers.","authors":"Meredith D Wells, Madeleine E Hackney, Feng Yang","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251359492","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251359492","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Ballroom dance participation is growing due to its competitive, social, and health benefits. Despite its popularity, there is limited information regarding the biomechanics of ballroom dance. This study aimed to quantify the vertical ground reaction force and its loading rate during two common rhythm ballroom dance steps, and to determine the variance of these variables across three levels of ballroom dancers. <b>Methods:</b> Fifty-six participants (20 inexperienced, 18 recreational, and 18 professional) performed nine common American rhythm ballroom dance elements from the American Rumba box step and the foundational step of the Cha Cha Cha on a vinyl dance floor over two embedded force plates. The Kruskal-Wallis test with experience level as the independent variable was used to compare variables among dance levels. Levene's test for equal variances was used to determine if the variance among the dance levels differed. <b>Results:</b> Results indicated that both the vertical ground reaction force and the rate of loading are associated with the dancing experience level for eight of the nine dance elements (<i>P</i>-values ranging between <0.001 and 0.040 for the ground reaction force and between <0.001 and 0.001 for the rate of loading). Forces were highest in the inexperienced level and lowest in the professional level. This finding was pronounced when stepping backward and leftward. Additionally, the variance in the force-related measurements was smaller among more experienced groups than their less-experienced counterparts. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings provide an initial understanding of the kinetics underlying the movement patterns of foundational rhythm ballroom dance. This study is a starting point for future research to better understand other ballroom dance patterns and explore the mechanisms of ballroom dance-related musculoskeletal injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"333-346"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Foot Orientation on Landing Impact Forces Following a Drop Jump in Ballet Dancers.","authors":"Evelyne Correia, Lucas H C C Dos Santos, Mateus S Dias, Rebeca C Romero, Luana P Souza, Sandra M S F Freitas, Paulo B de Freitas","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251359423","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251359423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Jumping is a fundamental element of classical ballet, often performed with the feet turned out, in a position known as <i>en dehors</i>, achieved through hip external rotation. Experience level and impact attenuation strategies may play a crucial role in reducing injury risk during jump landings. This study aimed to investigate the impact during drop jump landings in <i>en dehors</i> versus parallel foot orientation in experienced ballet dancers. <b>Method:</b> Seventeen experienced ballet dancers (aged 18-31 years, with an average of 13 years of experience) and 15 controls (aged 20-32 years old) who were not dancers and did not engage in regular physical activity, participated in the study. Participants performed drop jumps from a 30 cm high block, landed on two force platforms, and immediately executed a maximum vertical jump with feet in <i>en dehors</i> position or parallel. Maximum vertical ground reaction force, time to reach this maximum, maximum rate of force development during drop landing, and maximum height of the jump performed immediately after drop landing were calculated and compared between groups and foot orientations. <b>Results:</b> Time to reach the maximum vertical ground reaction force was shorter in the <i>en dehors</i> compared to parallel foot orientation, with no significant group differences. Ballet dancers achieved higher vertical jumps after the drop landing compared to controls. <b>Conclusions:</b> Long-term classical ballet practice does not lead to lower impact landings in <i>en dehors</i> compared to parallel foot orientation. Ballet dancers may take more advantage of the impact and rebounding for performing the subsequent vertical jump.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"354-362"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145207930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustaining Health in Professional Ballet: Insights into Autonomy, Shared Expertise and Open Communication.","authors":"Justine Benoit-Piau, Evert Verhagen, Mélanie Morin, Caroline Bolling","doi":"10.1177/1089313X251380082","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X251380082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> To explore the perceptions of dancers and the supporting staff regarding the management of dancers' health in a professional ballet company. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-two dancers, health team members, artistic staff and administrators were interviewed, focusing on what is a healthy dancer, as well as the challenges and facilitators to prevent and manage health within the company. Analysis was conducted using principles of Grounded Theory. <b>Results</b>: Participants mentioned that being a healthy dancer was based on three main concepts: (1) achieving a dynamic balance of load through self-implemented strategies, (2) receiving support from their team and (3) navigating the aspects inherent to the professional ballet context. Dancers had to maintain a dynamic balance where they would adapt their load according to a constant assessment of their state (ie, pain, fatigue) and situations (ie, casting, opportunities, career). This dynamic balance was impacted by the support dancers receive from their entourage. They needed to establish relationships built on trust to ensure efficient communication and collaboration. Once established, the dancers' entourage contributed to their assessment and the load adaptation strategies. The assessment and adaptation of load by dancers and the support provided were also influenced by contextual elements of ballet culture, including time and financial resources. <b>Conclusion</b>: To provide comprehensive care for dancers and maintain a dynamic balance, it is essential to empower dancers in their self-strategies through education and creating a positive work environment where open communication is encouraged.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":" ","pages":"407-417"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145477266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}