Tutu Tuesday

Interesting facts and study's about ballerinas and athletes

According to a study conducted by the University of Hertfordshire, ballet dancers’ total fitness exceeds that of international swimmers. The study also found that female dancers require more oxygen during exercise than do female athletes who compete at a comparable level 1. Another study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise concluded that ballet dancers suffer less stress fractures than other athletes due to their flexible bodies and good bone density. This is because stresses on the bones are evenly distributed when dancing, whereas other athletes experience more damage to certain bones due to their lack of flexibility 1.

However, it is important to note that comparing the fitness levels of ballerinas and athletes is not straightforward. Ballet is an art form that requires a unique set of skills, such as balance, coordination, and flexibility, which are different from those required in traditional sports. Athletes, on the other hand, require a different set of skills, such as speed, strength, and endurance, which are not necessarily emphasized in ballet 1. Therefore, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two groups.

In conclusion, while ballet dancers may have a higher level of fitness in certain areas, it is not accurate to say that they are fitter than athletes in general. Both ballerinas and athletes have unique skill sets that are essential to their respective disciplines 1.