The Dance Specific Fitness Tests (DSFT) were developed by dance science researchers at Trinity Laban and University of Wolverhampton.
The first scientifically validated aerobic and anaerobic fitness tests designed specifically for dancers. Research shows that cardiorespiratory fitness is an important part of a dancer’s training because the physiological demands of dance performance can be extremely high. Dancers need good stamina to work at their best, delay the onset of fatigue and help prevent fatigue-induced injuries.
The Contemporary and Ballet Tests consist of five progressive four-minute stages that use dance movement to test aerobic fitness . The High-Intensity Test comprises four shorter one-minute bouts of dance movement to anaerobic fitness. The dancers perform as many stages as they can. During the tests, the dancers’ heart rate is measured in-between stages using either the manual HR method or a heart rate monitor, to measure aerobic or anaerobic capacity.
Published articles about the Dance Specific Fitness Tests are available here:
- Development, Reliability, and Validity of a Multistage Dance Specific Aerobic Fitness Test (DAFT)
- The Development of a High Intensity Dance Performance Fitness Test
- The development of a multi-stage ballet-specific aerobic fitness test: Initial reliability and validity analysis
The Dance Specific Fitness Tests DVD/CD pack is available for purchase and includes full DVD instructions, demonstrations and music CD to accompany the tests. Please go to our online shop to order your copy.
The Dance Specific Fitness Tests DVD, CD and booklet can be purchased for £50 incl VAT + delivery cost (£3.50 UK/ up to £10.80 worldwide).