Examining effects of Franklin Method metaphorical and anatomical mental images on college dancers’ jumping height

Abstract

A quasi-experimental design was used to assess effects of Franklin Method images on dancers’ jump height. Thirteen dancers applied four image interventions while performing first position jumps for vertical height analysis. Mean heights and within-trial jump degradation and variability were examined. A repeated-measures mixed model analysis with covariates was used to assess whether jump heights differed significantly from baseline. Two of the four images showed significant increases in jump height above baseline. A linear time effect was also found over the course of the study. Anecdotal self-reports revealed that there appeared to be no correlation between jump height and imagery rating.

Keywords:

• imagery
• pedagogy
• Franklin Method
• jumping
• dance technique
• dance science

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank undergraduate research assistant Sonja Kranzfelder, who contributed generously to this project, as well as each of dancers who participated in the study.