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Sport-specific baselines

Baseline Testing in Dance and Performing Arts

Concussion risk doesn't stop at the stage door.

3 min read

A 2022 study published in the sports medicine literature specifically examined baseline BESS scores in collegiate cheer and dance athletes, confirming that this population faces real head injury risk and warrants standardized concussion assessment. Beyond cheerleading, ballet produces concussions from partnering lifts and falls, contemporary dance involves high-velocity floor work and aerial elements, and theatrical stage combat and rigging accidents produce head injuries in performing arts settings.

If your child dances or performs competitively, a baseline test is a reasonable precaution. See also concussions in “safe” sports.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Do dancers and performers sustain concussions?
Yes. A 2022 study in the sports medicine literature examined baseline BESS scores in collegiate cheer and dance athletes, confirming real head injury risk.
What are the mechanisms?
Cheerleading stunts and falls, ballet partnering lifts and falls, contemporary dance floor work and aerial elements, and theatrical stage combat and rigging accidents.
Is cheerleading particularly risky?
Cheerleading causes more than half of all catastrophic injuries in female high school and college athletes.
Should competitive dancers baseline?
Yes. If your child dances or performs competitively, a baseline test is a reasonable precaution.

Baselines for performers.

Dance, cheer, and theatrical performers face real concussion risk. We baseline them the same way we baseline any athlete.

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