Movement Control and Learning in Dance

Dance is considered a demanding coordinative movement discipline with high requirements for movement control, whether in ballet, modern dance, breakdancing, or partner dancing (see video). To optimally solve such complex movement tasks, it helps, first, to understand the movement's functionally (Schärli, 2017) and, second, to teach them in an evidence-based manner. In our own study (Schrefl et al., 2021), we were able to show that dancers use highly individual strategies in the basic ballet movement of the "Demi-Plié". This finding raises doubts about whether dancers in a group should be guided to perform the same movement or whether different functionally appropriate solutions should be sought. Furthermore, we adapted, standardized, and validated widely used tests, such as the "Single Leg Heel Rise" for measuring the strength endurance of the lower extremities in dance (Schrefl et al., 2023, 2024), and we modernized training methods in ballet in a way that allows for the assessment of effects on interoception and psychological well-being (Wallman-Jones et al., 2022). A variety of dance science research topics are also addressed as part of the postgraduate Master of Advanced Studies in Dance Science offered at the institute, which is unique in continental Europe.

Selected Publications

Schärli, A. (2017). Functional Movement Analysis in Dance. In: Handbook of Human Motion (p.1-15). Heidelberg: Springer

Schrefl, A., Kolokhytas, N., Erlacher, D., & Schärli, A. (2024). Validation single leg heel rise test. CISS (accepeted)

Schrefl, A., Erlacher, D., & Schärli, A. (2023). The single leg heel rise test – a helpful tool for dance science? A systematic review. Medical Problem of Performing Artists. Dec;38(4):234-248. https://doi.org/10.21091/mppa.2023.4028

Schrefl, A., van de Langenberg, R. & Schärli, A. (2021). Kinematic analysis of the coupling between calcaneal eversion and ankle dorsiflexion in a contemporary dancer’s demi plié. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 36(1), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.21091/mppa.2021.1007

Wallman-Jones, A., Mölders, C, Schmidt, M., & Schärli, A. (2022). Feldenkrais to improve interoceptive processes and psychological well-being in female adolescent ballet dancers: A feasibility study. Journal of Dance Education, 23(3), 254-266. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1080/15290824.2021.2009121

Contact

Andrea Schärli