Activation in professional ballet dancers

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine professional ballet dancers' psychophysiological activation in different types of rehearsal and performance. Electrical activity of the trapezius muscle (EMG), blood pressure, heart rate, and skin conductance level were measured. Self-estimated mental tension was evaluated, as was success in the performance. The effect of sex, age, professional experience, artistic status, role, and type of rehearsal and performance was studied. Principals had lower EMG at rest than soloists or corps de ballet dancers. The principals' psychophysiological activation during performance was increased more than that of soloists or corps de ballet dancers as compared to the values at rest. The type of performance had an effect on self-estimated mental tension and psychophysiological responses. During the last general rehearsals (with an audience) physiological activation was higher than on first nights or in other performances or rehearsals.