CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Definition, Elements of choreography, techniques and movements, Non-dance

related practices
 ELEMENTS OF CONTEMPORARY
DANCE
• MOVEMENT
• TIME
• SPACE
• ENERGY
• SHAPE
1. MOVEMENT- LOCOMOTORAND NON-
LOCOMOTOR
2. TIME- DURATION AND RHYTHM
(FAST, MEDIUM, SLOW)
3. SPACE- DIRECTION AND DIMENSION
(LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH)
 4. ENERGY- FORCE OF MOVEMENT
(STRONG OR LIGHT, SHARP OR SMOOTH
5. SHAPE- CURVES AND ANGLE OF BODY PARTS
 CHOREOGRAPHY
• It is highly used in contemporary dance.
• It is a series of expressive movement patterns with the inclusion of popular themes or social
issues.
• Performers create a freestyle movements to give emphasis on a topic and to express emotions
through their dance.
 CONTEMPORARY DANCE
TECHNIQUES AND MOVEMENTS
• Contemporary Ballet- this technique is used in contemporary dance because it has elements
of classical ballet and modern dance which allows greater range of upper body movement.
Floor work and turn- in of the legs also included in contemporary ballet which makes it
more appealing and entertaining to the audience.
• Dance Improvisation- this technique allows performer to create movements spontaneously. It
is commonly used in contemporary dance because it is less technical, strict, and impulsive.
• Modern Dance- this techniques does not have any set rules which allows dancer to create
movements using their emotions and moods that results to a more relaxed and free style of
dancing.
 NON-DANCE RELATED PRACTICES
OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE
• Pilates- This is a mind and body fitness program which incorporates breathing and
movements to achieve body awareness. The benefits of Pilates help dancers to achieve
balance. It is also used as a therapy for dance injuries and rehabilitation.
• Yoga- this is practiced by dancers because aside from its physical benefits (strength,
flexibility, balance, etc.) yoga soothes the spirit which provides a peaceful mind that brings
the best out of the dancer.
• Acting Practice- this enhances the dancer’s emotions to interpret every movement with
precision. The connection of the performer to the audience makes the dance more pleasing
and entertaining.