CONTEMPORARY DANCE

GROUP V

I. WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY DANCE?

Contemporary dance has been much influenced by eastern philosophies, applying ideals and
values derived from Zen Buddhism and Indian Hatha Yoga to contemporary dance. This is
especially true when it comes to mental training and postural strength, required to deliver
unrestricted lines across vast spaces.
•Contemporary dance unlike classical dance, is an expressive form of the body based on free
movements and improvisation. The distinctive character of contemporary dance lies in the
alternation between the force of movement and the release and the importance of the
awareness of each gesture. The steps of contemporary dance leave full creative and stylistic
freedom, the dancer becomes a choreographer of himself and the whole thing revolves around
his ability to improvise.
•Also in this discipline, it is important to develop a capacity for control over the legs, the use of
openings and all other fundamental characteristics for a dancer.
•Contemporary is another word for “modern” or “current”. If something is contemporary, it
belongs in the here and now, the current time period. Contemporary dance is therefore always
changing with the times and developing, and takes its inspiration from many different modern
forms of dance.
• It can be danced to almost any style of music, and it can be mixed up with other dance forms
such as street dance, ballet, Jazz dance, African and Asian dance, and other forms of exercise
such as martial arts and yoga, to create new dance moves. It was developed in the early 20th
century as a reaction against the set rules and techniques of ballet.
•Practicing contemporary dance involves learning a range of techniques and styles which are
used in dance classes, dance workshops and dance choreography, and exploring your own
creativity through movement.
 II. HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE

During the 1900s, dancers began to explore movements outside of classical ballet which is
commonly known for its stringent form and style. Instead of following a defined dance
structure, dancers began to use their bodies freely, a revolution at the time, leading to the
creation of contemporary dance.
•Jazz, modern and lyrical dance styles have influenced contemporary dance as well, shaping it
to be what it is today. A number of influential dancers over the years have helped shape
contemporary dance too.
•Merce Cunningham is a notable dancer who is often referred to as the father of contemporary
dance. Famously, Cunningham separated dance from the theatre meaning dance alone could
project their own expressions without being connected to a specific story or idea.

III. BENEFITS OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE

•Contemporary dance has several benefits on the body and mind, it is an aerobic training that
allows you to increase power and endurance and improve breathing.
•Practicing this discipline strengthens the abdominal muscles, regulates the heart rate and
fully trains the body making it much more flexible and toned. In addition, the hard training
you are undergoing, makes contemporary dance ideal even for those who want to lose weight
and shape some specific areas, working on the body in an alternative way to classic fitness
workouts.
•Also benefits for the mind. Dancing increases energy and positivity, promotes socialization
especially in children, who manage to integrate better into the various groups. In adults,
dancing reinforces interrelations:

✓Increases strength and stamina

✓Improves breathing
✓Strengthens abdominal muscles
✓Makes the body more toned and flexible
✓Improve mood
✓Encourages socialization

 If you practice contemporary dance regularly, you will develop a lean, strong body. Your
posture, balance and coordination will also improve significantly and you are likely to
feel more at ease with your body, and move with increased confidence.