Physiological characteristics of classical ballet

Abstract

The Royal Swedish Ballet in Stockholm. The measured oxygen uptake during six different normal classes at the theatre averaged about 35–45% of the maximal oxygen uptake, and the blood lactate concentration averaged 3 mM (N=6). During 10 different solo parts of choreographed dance (median length=1.8 min) representative for moderately to very strenuous dance, an average oxygen uptake (measured during the last minute) of 80% of maximum and blood lactate concentration of 10 mM was measured (N=10). In addition, heart rate registrations from soloists in different ballets during performance and final rehearsals frequently indicated a high oxygen uptake relative to maximum and an average blood lactate concentration of 11 mM (N=5). Maximal oxygen uptake, determined in 1971 (N=11) and 1983 (N=13) in two different groups of dancers, amounted to on the average 51 and 56 ml.min−1.kg-1 for the females and males, respectively. In conclusion, classical ballet is a predominantly intermittent type of exercise. In choreographed dance each exercise period usually lasts only a few minutes, but can be very demanding energetically, while during the dancers' basic training sessions, the energy yield is low. ©1984The American College of Sports Medicine...