ABSTRACT

The big jumps are steps that require muscular power and motor coordination. Since there is a lack in the literature on the learning and training of these steps, the aim of this study was to verify the effect of 12 weeks of classical ballet classes with the grand allegro exercise on lower limb power in amateur ballerinas. Seven dancers, aged 11.33±1.02 years, who were studying Grade 3 of Royal Academy of Dance, participated Height Growth Speed Peak calculations, vertical jump tests, and technical evaluation of the grand allegro exercise were performed at four moments over the 12-week study period. Lesson plans, the Rating of Perceived Exertion, and the Total Recovery Quality for each class were collected to analyze load and recovery. The main results indicate that the dancers were prepubertal and lower limb muscular power and the technique of the grand allegro exercise improved (p<0.05). Weekly load and the quantity of jumps and exercises performed varied during the period, while Total Recovery Quality remained stable. The obtained data point to variations in the workload during ballet classes, combined with the sensitive phase of development and motor coordination, as responsible for the improvement in muscular power and technical quality.

Keywords:
Ballet; Muscle strength; Athletic performance