Abstract

Herein, we compared physical fitness profiles among non-dancers and dancers practicing classical ballet, contemporary dance, and ballroom dance. Forty young women were divided into four groups: classical ballet (19.1 ± 1.7 years; BMI: 20.7 ± 1.6 kg/m²), contemporary dance (22.0 ± 3.9 years; BMI: 21.1 ± 2.6 kg/m²), ballroom dance (22.1 ± 3.5 years; BMI: 22.2 ± 3.3 kg/m²), and non-dancer controls (24.8 ± 3.3 years; BMI: 22.3 ± 2.5 kg/m²). Physical fitness was assessed using sit-and-reach, sit-up, push-up, vertical jump, flamingo balance, shuttle-run, and Borg perceived exertion tests. Non-dancers showed lower performance across all physical fitness tests than dancers, with the clearest differences observed against classical ballet and contemporary dance groups. Across dance modalities, classical ballet and contemporary dancers demonstrated superior neuromuscular fitness compared with ballroom dancers, particularly in muscular endurance, lower-limb strength, balance, flexibility, and agility. No relevant differences were observed between classical ballet and contemporary dancers. Non-dancers also reported greater perceived exertion during testing. These findings indicate modality-specific fitness adaptations and suggest that dance-related physiological demands differ according to training characteristics. The results may help coaches, dance teachers, conditioning specialists, and researchers develop targeted interventions to enhance performance, physical fitness, and long-term health outcomes among dancers and active populations.

Keywords

Physical Activity, Exercise, Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength,

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