ERIC Number: EJ1484404
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1529-0824
EISSN: EISSN-2158-074X
Available Date: 0000-00-00
The Effects of Pilates Mat Classes on Abdominal Core Control and Dance Performance: A Pilot Study
Christine S. Bergeron1,2,3; Tina Smith4; Tom Welsh1; Matthew Wyon3,4
Journal of Dance Education, v25 n3 p267-275 2025
Dancers trained in classical ballet and modern forms are taught to use their core strength to execute movements with proper alignment. Pilates is an exercise regimen used by dancers to improve muscle conditioning, flexibility, and coordination. However, currently, there is limited research on the impact of Pilates for dancers which support these claims. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of a Pilates mat program during dance performance. Dancers (n = 3) participated in a ten-week study consisting of pre- and post-testing and eight weeks of a Pilates mat program. Pre- and post-test comparisons in the plank strength test showed a statistically significant improvement for all three dancers. Survey results indicate dancers perceived an overall improvement in awareness and engagement of the core during dance class. Three independent dance instructors also saw an improvement in the dancers' alignment and core strength throughout the eight-week study.
Descriptors: Dance, Exercise, Physical Education, Intervention, Surveys, Physical Fitness, Muscular Strength, Physical Development
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Dance, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA; 2School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; 3National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, UK; 4School of Sport, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, UK

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