Modern Dance

Part II
Basic Dance Steps

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC

 Explain Explain the different basic dance steps

Compare the characteristics of modern

Compare
Objectives dance to other dance styles.

Demonstrate the basic dance steps used in

Demonstrate
modern dance
Modern Dance Basic
Steps

• This dance was created to show emotion

and more “human” side to the art.
• A striking contrast to the strict rules and
guidelines of ballet, which was the most
popular dance in America at that time.
• Modern dance steps continue to evolve
with each dancer who is inspired enough
to create, and the style will only grow with
future generations.
Modern Dance Basic Steps
 Starting in jazz position, with your arms at your
side and your gaze focused downward.

Curl your spine over slowly and be careful not to

collapse at your waist

Curl Do
wn and
When you are halfway down to the floor, bend
your knees and curl.

Up Continue to curl down one vertebrae at a time

and continue subsequently “grow back upward”,
again with one section of your spine at a time
 Standing in parallel first and place your
arms in second position.

Sliding the right leg forward with a

Leg Swings pointed toe and it should then brush
through the first position.

Follow through backwards, slightly

bending the knee.
 Bend over keeping your spine as
straight as possible with raise
arms into high fifth with the palm
facing inward.
Flat Back
Raise your torso back and
simultaneously with the arms as a
single fluid movement.
 The foot points forward
and back into parallel first.

Tendu You can repeat the

position to the side and to
the back, alternating in a
rhythm
 Standing with your weight on
the foot and shift the weight
while in pile position.

Chasse Then jump with both feet

vertical together in the air

Travel across the room with this

movement and add height and
spin for a more advance look.
Samples of Modern dance basic Steps
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sztTqwuJ61Y&t=270s
Basic Modern Dance
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnShYclU4pM
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO4FoBWlF2Y
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgn_JhgcST0