Perceptions of Strength Training in Pre-Professional Ballet: A Case Study Examining an Elite Pre-Professional Ballet Setting / Alexis Sunderlage (2022)

In sports, strength training (ST) is very well developed and considered a regular part of training, but this is not as widely adapted in dance. Previous studies examining perceptions of strength training in dance noted self-reported data in a wide variety of styles where there was a growing acceptance of ST growing in dance students, with a seemingly decrease with concern for aesthetics. This study address perceptions of strength training in elite pre-professional ballet in a program with a defined healthcare team. The aim of this case study is to examine perceptions of ST within the Royal Ballet School (RBS) examining comparing male students to female students, examining how injury status with rehabilitation impacts perceptions, and comparing the thoughts of dance students, healthcare team members, and artistic staff. Data collection included an in-depth case study analysis of perceptions surrounding ST through an interview, online database data, and an analysis of Likert scale and opened ended questions concerning ST at the RBS. There was a significant difference between male students (n=31) and female students (n=26) concerning ballet aesthetics. 83.3% of students who were off dance or on a restricted schedule due to injury noted using ST as a part of their rehabilitation from the injury, with comments made about the positive impact of ST on the process. 100% of students (n=57) agree or strongly agree that ST is essential to overall development as a dancer, and 98.2% of students agree or strongly agree that ST has a positive effect on dance performance. 100% of health care team members (n=11) agreed or strongly agreed that strength training should be implemented into a ballet training program. 84.6% of artistic staff members (n=13) believe that ST is essential to overall development as a dancer, noting things such as improved performance, injury prevention, and enhancing things that cannot be trained in a ballet class. There are significant differences between the groups concerning general ST ideas, aesthetics, prioritization, and use post-injury. Overall, there is a large acceptance by students, healthcare team members, and artistic staff members, of incorporating ST into ballet training at the Royal Ballet School. While everyone supports ST, overall healthcare team members and students perceive ST as an essential part of training, while it may be more thought of as supplementary by members of the artistic staff, with aesthetics playing a large role in perceptions of strength training of students.