Strength Training Perceptions Amongst Vocational Circus and Dance Students

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Performing Arts Medicine

Background:

• Traditional views in dance often prioritized leanness over strength.
• Vocational circus arts involve high-risk, strength-intensive disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare perceptions of strength training between vocational circus and dance students.
• To investigate the integration and perceived necessity of strength training in these artistic fields.

Main Methods:

• A survey (Training Information Survey) was administered to 80 vocational students (39 circus, 41 dance).
• Data collected included participation frequency and agreement with statements on strength training benefits and necessity.

Main Results:

• Both groups strongly agreed strength training is essential for their development.
• Circus students reported higher weekly strength training frequency (4.24 days) than dance students (3.05 days).
• Dance students showed significantly higher agreement that strength training increases muscle size (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Student perceptions of strength training are favorable, indicating a cultural shift in aesthetic ideals within dance and circus.
• Educational programs should consider incorporating more strength training education and resources.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to confirm these findings.