“People thought science might dilute the art. “Dance has always been based on tradition and anecdote, but we started using words like ‘measure’ and ‘evaluate’, which are frowned upon in the arts world,” explains Redding, a former dancer. Professor Emma Redding, head of dance science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance in south-east London, is a founding partner of NIDMS. Launched in 2012, this collaboration of UK dance institutions and universities examines everything from dancers’ ankle mechanics to performance anxiety. Many of the Royal Ballet’s innovations are inspired by a wave of game-changing new research overseen by the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science (NIDMS).
This is a completely new concept in dance.” “Strength, jumping, force attenuation, cardiovascular fitness, psychological wellbeing and nutrition all support the dancer to be free to create artistic excellence. “Our facilities are now similar to those of a Premier League football club,” explains Gregory Retter, clinical director of ballet healthcare. The Royal Ballet is rich in tradition, but the company’s 97 dancers are now supported by a 17-strong team of sports science and healthcare experts. Meanwhile, fatigued dancers apply Game Ready leg wraps, which harness Nasa space-suit technology to deliver tissue-repairing cold therapy, and learn how adding omega-3-rich anchovies to their salads can reduce muscle inflammation. Every workout is uploaded to Smartabase, a data-analysis platform also used by the US military. Others strengthen their soleus calf muscles, which on-site electromyography (EMG) analysis suggests can help stabilise their ankles. Some complete bespoke cardio drills, calibrated using oxygen-uptake tests, to get fit for quick-tempo allegro routines. More arrive in white tutus, fresh from rehearsals for Swan Lake a graceful, giggling wave of youthful energy, chatting about barbecues and Instagram. Principal dancers Marianela Nuñez and Alexander Campbell glide past.
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