Hierarchical and Corrective Organization of Postural Control in Ballroom Dance: Associations with Dance Condition and Expertise

This study examined how dance condition (female, male, couple), and expertise influence the hierarchical organization and corrective dynamics of postural control in ballroom dancers performing the standardized contra check position. The study included 30 dancers: 14 professionals (7 dance couples) and 16 novices (8 dance couples). Center of pressure (COP) data were collected during quiet standing (QS) and under contra check conditions (solo and partnered). Postural control was analyzed using rambling-trembling (RM-TR) decomposition, sample entropy (SampEn), and a trend change index (TCI) derived from MACD to quantify correction frequency, amplitude, and velocity. During QS, no between-group differences were found in global sway velocity or correction frequency. However, professionals exhibited higher rambling velocity and greater signal complexity (SampEn). In the contra check, female participants showed the highest sway velocity as well as corrective amplitude and velocity. Professionals demonstrated condition-dependent redistribution between RM and TR components and modulated corrective amplitude and velocity without increasing correction frequency. The partnered condition was associated with relatively greater TR contribution along with reduced corrective amplitude and velocity. Entropy did not differ between task conditions. The results indicate condition-related differences in postural control variables and greater modulation across conditions in professionals compared to novice dancers.