The influence of classical dance training on preferred supporting leg and whole body turning bias.
A rightward turning bias has been more frequently noted during adult classical dance practice than during spontaneous rotations. Training could play a role in inducing a preferred direction. We observed the preferred direction for executing four spontaneous whole-body full turns (pirouettes), with eyes open or closed, in pre-pubertal untrained girls and classical dance students. Of untrained girls, 58% showed a leftward turning bias (LTB) and 42% a rightward turning bias (RTB), independently of vision, lateral preferences, and supporting leg. Only one dancer showed a consistent LTB while the majority showed a RTB, with a tendency to use the left leg to turn towards the right. These results suggest that the role of the vestibular and visual systems is minimal for untrained girls, and suggest a training influence for dancers. The dance students' choice of a supporting leg for turning may exploit some biomechanical properties facilitating the pirouette.
Golomer
E
E
Equipe Action, Mouvement, Adaptation, Université Paris Descartes, 1 rue Lacretelle, Paris, France. e.golomer@wanadoo.fr
Rosey
F
F
Dizac
H
H
Mertz
C
C
Fagard
J
J
D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003615:Dancing; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation; D013663:Teaching