Ballet Science Project?

Question:I have to figure out what i want to do for the upcoming science fair for 8th grade. My teacher suggested that since i take ballet, to have a project about it. It has to be about forces/motion/physics.

All ideas open as well as any links of information or research.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have to figure out what i want to do for the upcoming science fair for 8th grade. My teacher suggested that since i take ballet, to have a project about it. It has to be about forces/motion/physics.

All ideas open as well as any links of information or research.

What your teacher suggeted is a good idea. In ballet when doing a pirouette you turn out the leg in posse, I'm sure different angles of turn out effect how the air bounces off your leg and therefore how quickly/how many turns you can do. I would def try this out. I hope I helped!
PS Go to youtube and type in erica bernardi or www.justplaindancin.com, a video should come up of a girl that can do 15 pirouettes! this would be a good example of how proper technique and physics can help improve your turning ability! Also gravity plays a role in your balancing ability, which also effects pirouettes

do something about the bones, muscles, and other things that are involved and needed in pointe. i hope that would be ok. good luck!

you could do leaps like how muchforce when pushing off and if you put something in front of you can you still go as far, ect.

There is a book about the physics of dancing. Check amazon.com. It teaches how pirouettes are easier for shorter people, and 3 times harder for tall people. Also quick moves, such as beats, assemble battus, etc. are easier if you are short. The tall person must exert more energy and take more time just to get in the air high enough to allow their long legs to do the movement. The music and choreography often do not allow sufficient time. Compare how the spin naturally becomes faster when you move from a pirouette a la second, to retire (passe) position, and then to couppe, or sur le cou de pied. Downloading a performance including these moves would be fabulous for your presentation. Look for male dancers, as females do not do the larger moves that best show the connection between dancing and physics.