Single leg balancing in ballet: Effects of shoe conditions and poses

The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of lower limb positioning and shoe conditions on stability levels of selected single leg ballet poses performed in demi-pointe position. Fourteen female non-professional ballet dancers (mean age of 18.4 ± 2.8 years and mean body mass index of 21.5 ± 2.8 kg/m2) who had practiced ballet for at least seven years, without any musculoskeletal impairment volunteered to participate in this study. A capacitive pressure platform allowed for the assessment of center of pressure variables related to the execution of three single leg ballet poses in demi pointé position: attitude devant, attitude derriére, and attitude a la second. Peak pressures, contact areas, COP oscillation areas, anterior-posterior and medio-lateral COP oscillations and velocities were compared between two shoe conditions (barefoot versus slippers) and among the different poses. Barefoot performances produced more stable poses with significantly higher plantar contact areas, smaller COP oscillation areas and smaller anterior-posterior COP oscillations. COP oscillation areas, anterior-posterior COP oscillations and medio-lateral COP velocities indicated that attitude a la second is the least challenging and attitude derriére the most challenging pose.

► It is important to understand the specific equilibrium demands often required in ballet dancing. ► The study of single leg poses performed in demi-pointe position allows addressing ballet-specific equilibrium demands. ► A capacitive pressure platform was used for the assessment of center of pressure variables. ► Barefoot performances of single leg ballet poses are more stable than performances with slippers. ► Stability demands for Attitude a la second are less challenging than for Attitude derriére.