The Level of Awareness and Practice of Supplementary Training among Non-Professional Ballet Dancers

Abstract

Background: The intensity of physical activity in ballet class is too low to stimulate physical health enhancement and fulfil physical demands of ballet. Supplementary training (ST) can be introduced to enhance the health status and dance performances of the ballet dancers. To date, what remains unclear is whether non-professional ballet dancers (NPBD) are aware of the importance of ST and whether they are practicing it. Objective: This study aims to determine the level of awareness regarding ST and to investigate the practice of ST among NPBD. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was adopted in this study to identify the level of awareness and practice of ST among NPBD. An online self-administered google link was sent to potential subjects. A total of 371 responses were obtained and 236 passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collected were entered and coded using SPSS version 26.0 software for analysis. Results: The level of awareness of respondents was 73%, which indicates a high level of awareness of ST. There were 119 (50.4%) NPBD who had practiced ST and 116 (49.6%) did not practice ST. Only 40 (33.6%) of NPBD were currently practicing ST. Conclusion: The level of awareness of ST is high while true practice of ST among NPBD is not frequent. NPBD should be encouraged to actively participate in ST to improve their health status, dance performances and to prevent injury.