Disco dancing is among modern competitive dances performed with a high level of energy and explosiveness, requiring dancers to have good physical fitness, appropriate body composition, and developed motor abilities to achieve success. Therefore, the purpose of this master's thesis is to determine the motor abilities of disco dancers and their body composition. We also analyzed the differences in motor abilities between juniors and seniors. We established a new specific endurance test, called the »DART« - Disco (dance) aerobic test, adapted specifically for the needs of disco dancers.
The sample included 40 participants (20 juniors and 20 seniors) who were active in the competitive season 2021/2022 and competed in national and international competitions under the auspices of the Dance Association (PZS) and the International Dance Organization (IDO). The research covered three key areas: measurements of body composition and determination of their somatotype, analysis of motor abilities, and comparison between juniors and seniors. The third part included the execution of an endurance test.
We confirmed that disco dancers have a distinct mesomorphic somatotype profile, especially emphasized in seniors compared to juniors. We found that seniors statistically significantly outperformed juniors in coordination tests (Olympic circles and drumming tests) and flexibility tests (side and front splits, seated forward bend), indicating their experience and better execution of more demanding choreographies. We evaluated the DART test as an effective tool for measuring endurance in disco dancers. At the same time, we recognized logistical limitations for conducting a more extensive validation of the test, which would require further refinement and reimplementati.
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