Experimental effects of multi-dance sport training on student performance: a dual analysis of physical fitness and aesthetic skill development

Introduction This study addresses growing concerns about declining physical fitness and insufficient aesthetic literacy among university students. These issues are compounded by the limitations of traditional physical education in supporting holistic development. Dance-based interventions are proposed as a potential solution to bridge this gap. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 90 female physical education majors, who were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: rumba, waltz, or yoga. Participants underwent 16 weeks of systematic training. Physical and aesthetic adaptations were evaluated using standardized physical tests and psychometric assessments. Results All three interventions led to significant improvements in core strength, lower-body power, agility, and flexibility (p < 0.05). Rumba showed significantly greater improvements in vertical jump performance compared to waltz (MD = 4.572, p = 0.031), while waltz was superior to yoga in enhancing flexibility (MD = −3.196, p = 0.027). Aesthetic assessments revealed that waltz significantly enhanced kinesthetic awareness (MD = −17.660, p < 0.001), likely due to its rotational and spatial characteristics. Rumba yielded greater gains in aesthetic interpretation (MD = 17.290, p < 0.001), attributed to its expressive and articulated movements. Discussion The findings highlight the genre-specific advantages of dance modalities in fostering both physical and aesthetic development. These results provide empirical support for incorporating dance-based training into higher education physical education curricula to promote holistic student development.