Abstract

DENARDI, Renata A.; FERRACIOLI, Marcela C.  and  RODRIGUES, Sérgio T.. Visual information and postural control during pirouette execution in ballet. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.2, pp.241-250. ISSN 1645-0523.

A fundamental aspect of the visual system that supports visual information acquisition relevant to postural control of ballet dancers, eyes and head movements, was investigated during the execution of a pirouette, a turn of classical ballet. Eight expert ballet dancers were analyzed with (opened eyes) and without (blindfolded eyes) visual information available in order to (i) test the hypothesis of association between longer gaze fixation turn initiation and better motor performance, (ii) check the validity of ballet instructors’ cues on how to “set the head”, and (iii) verify the effect of availability of visual information on postural control of ballet dancers. The results did not corroborate the hypothesis of high negative correlation between initial fixation duration and postural instability, but they revealed long initial fixation durations and reduced body oscillations. The unavailability of visual information deteriorated significantly the postural stability. A clear sequence of trunk, head and gaze turns was observed, showing the adequacy of ballet instructors’ cues.

Keywords : visual information; gaze behavior; postural control; ballet.

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