Towards a new training methodology

Abstract

Elite dance and sport attract highly motivated, perfectionistic individuals to environments that are highly competitive and physically demanding[1, 2]. At an elite level both sport and dance performances can speak directly to the emotions of the observer through their physical movement and highly trained bodies. While dancers have been referred to as the embodiment of artist and athlete[3], dance is not generally considered a sport and as such, the sharing of knowledge between dance and sport is rarely exploited to the mutual benefit of sport and dance participants. While philosophical debate may continue regarding the artistic side of dance that may not be present in sport, or the lack of competition in dance that is traditionally seen in sports but not in dance, in the context of physical activity and resultant impact on health, dance should be considered an equal and afforded the same attention to its effect on the body as seen in sporting disciplines