Physical features suitable for classical ballet training

The Physical Features Suitable for Classical Ballet Training Aim: The aim of this study is to determine prerequisite physical features about classical ballet education. Material and Method: Students who accepted and eliminated for the applications of Cukurova University State Conservatory Ballet Main Art Branch in the academic year 2013-2014 were compared with their exam results. Convenient and inconvenient students for ballet education were determined as two study groups and they were evaluated. This study involves defining of the physical ability and determining physical fitness by using Eurofit tests, somatotype diagram and anthropometric measurements which determines of ballet students' body type, physical abilities. Additionally, Heath-Carter somatotyping method was used for classifying body types. Because of the fact that this study was done for the first time, it was designed as preliminary study. Statistical analyzes were performed by using SPSS 19 software program. Results: In this study, 52 ( boy:1 girls:50) students, between 8-11 years old who applied for ballet education to Cukurova University State Conservatory Ballet Main Art Branch. As 32 students (boy: 1 girls: 31) were convenient for ballet education, 20 girls were not. While the average of age, height and weight measurements of convenient students were 9, 51 ± 0, 67 , 1, 38 ± 0, 07 m and 30, 03 ± 4, 85 kg respectively, the same dimensions in inconvenient students, 10,20 ± 0,89 , 1,43 ± 0,10 m and 39,06 ± 6,94 kg respectively. Measurements of diameter, circumference and subcutaneous fat thickness were found less (p < 0, 05) for convenient students. Major body type of convenient students was identified as mezomorf, whereas major body type of inconvenient students was identified as endomorf. All dimensions of Eurofit tests except of strength test were found significantly in convenient students (p< 0, 05). Conclusion: These parameters are used in convenience for classical ballet education were evaluated objectively. The observations presented in this study have defined physical features and need to be taken into consideration for evaluate and guidelines for determine the deficiency in literature. Key Words: Ballet, ballet dancer, Eurofit Test, somatotype, physical features, physical fitness