Classical ballet requires high performance and technical level in anti-anatomical positions, inducing misalignment of joint structures. Classical dance requires intense and hard training and aims to achieve perfection, disregarding factors such as age or individual characteristics. The masterful execution of several steps of classical ballet demands the use of muscle strength to sustain the movement in large amplitudes. However, the uneven muscle activation during the ballet performances increases muscle disequilibrium and the risk of injury.

We aimed to evaluate the range of motion and muscle strength of the ankle of classical ballet dancers from Curitiba.

This cross-sectional study included women aged 20 to 29 years, who live in Curitiba and have been practicing classical ballet for at least one year. Measurement of ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion amplitudes was assessed by a goniometer. Isometric strength of the ankle dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, inverters and evertors was measured using a Lafayette manual dynamometer. The values found in this study were compared with the literature.

Nine dancers with an average of 22.3±1.32 years and 11±5.29 years of practice of classical ballet were evaluated. The plantar flexion movement presented range of motion values 40% greater than those previously reported in the literature. For ankle eversion, the values found were 38% higher. The results of the ankle dorsiflexion and inversion range of motion were close to those described in studies that evaluated adult women. In muscle strength findings, the ballet dancers showed a significant reduction of up to 50% in ankle dorsiflexors, inverters and evertors. However, an increase of 97.96% was observed in the muscle strength of the plantar flexors compared to the values described in the literature.

The ballet dancers showed above-average range of motion values for plantar flexion and eversion movements and muscle strength for plantar flexors muscles. However, in the other evaluations, the results were similar or lower than those reported in the literature for range of motion and muscle strength.

Describing the changes in the range of motion and muscle strength of the dancers improves the knowledge of the relationship between the performance and the physical characteristics of the participants. Thus, they can understand the functioning of their body structure and map the risk of injuries, improving the execution of the dance.