Ballet dance is commonly considered a form of art and expression. However, recognizing the amount of stamina, strength, muscle control and dedication that ballet requires may also help to classify ballet as a sport, and ballet dancers as extremely strong and fit athletes. Ballet performers of all levels can benefit from the many aspects of fitness that ballet provides — from cardiovascular endurance to muscular strength to balance and flexibility.
Cardiovascular Endurance
In an article at "Homemakers" magazine's website, Robert McCollum, manager of the adult ballet program at the National Ballet School in Toronto, states that advanced ballet dancers receive a number of cardiovascular benefits, such as greater endurance and a stronger heart and lungs. McCollum adds that beginner- and intermediate-level dancers should add other cardio exercises to balance out their dance-workout regimen, because the intensity of aerobic work may not be as challenging at these levels.
Muscular Strength and Toning
Practicing and performing ballet involves a variety of isotonic and isometric training, as well as plyometric and ballistic movements. Ballet dancers must be able to lift their entire body weight as they spring high or leap far across the floor. McCollum says that ballet dancers' muscles are quite refined and toned — while the muscles are strong, they are also lean, suggesting that ballet produces strength without increasing bulk.
Flexibility and Posture
Many positions in ballet require significant flexibility. For example, a proficient ballet dancer should be able to make stretching her leg over her head look completely natural and painless. The American Council on Exercise states that flexibility is one of the factors that a dancer needs to accelerate, decelerate and stabilize the body quickly and efficiently while dancing.
Posture improves as ballet dancers practice holding themselves properly and learn how to align their bodies as they move. Practicing good posture may decrease the aches and pains in the joints and muscles experienced later in life.
Balance and Coordination
Ballet dancers must have tight muscle control, extreme coordination and flawless balance to produce the concise, elegant and graceful poses that spectators see. Whether a ballerina stands on point for several moments or performs a lift or an aerial, her core, leg and arm muscles must all stay engaged to hold the pose or position throughout the completion of the pose, without showing signs of fatigue or unbalanced footing. Ballet also incorporates plenty of spinning and turning, so ballet performers must learn early on how to “spot,” which is to focus on one spot while constantly spinning to maintain perfect balance and prevent dizziness.
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