Contemporary

Dance
 Contemporary Dance Definition
It refers to a collection of dance forms and methods
which draw on 20th Century western concert dance,
including ballet, modern and post-modern dance.

Simply put, contemporary dance

is dance that is being created
and performed by dancers
who are working now.
 Contemporary Dance Definition
A performing art that involves rhythmic body
movement within a given space, choreographed
based on musical beat.

Performed either in front of an

Audience or by everyone on a
Dance floor.
 Contemporary Dance Definition
It may include techniques that are found in ballet
and modern dance such as floor work, fall and
recovery, improvisation, even
incorporating yoga, pilates, and
martial arts together with
techniques introduced by such
famous dancers as Graham,
Hawkins, Horton, and Cunningham.
 Modern Dance Definition
It was developed in the early 1900s, the time
when dancers came out against the stiffness and
restraints of classical ballet. It created its own
techniques, costumes, shoes, and gave more
attention to self-expression and individual
creativity rather than technical expertise. It allows
dancers and choreographers to create steps using
their moods and emotions producing a more
relaxed dance style.
 Modern Dance VS Contemporary
Dance
Contemporary dance Modern
dance
focuses on creating
focuses on
new techniques and emotions
movements. and moods
When did Contemporary Dance start?
Contemporary dance began at
the start of the 20th century when
US dancer Isadora Duncan (1878–
1927) broke away from ballet and
developed her own, more.
natural style. Contemporary
dance has manydifferent styles,
some of them closely linked to
music, such as jazz, rock and roll, and hip-hop.
Contemporary Dance

Embodies
With . . . . . . . . .
 Ballet
Ballet is often referred to as the backbone of
dance. The fundamentals used in ballet are
often used throughout all other styles of
dance as well. There are three main
classifications: classical ballet, neoclassical
ballet and contemporary ballet. This style of
dance is used to tell a story. It relies heavily
on technique and requires an enormous
about of diligence and dedication to perfect.
Ballet is typically danced to classical music
and is done wearing slippers or pointe shoes
Though the basis of lyrical is ballet L
it also encompasses both jazz and
modern. It is dynamic while Y
instantaneously subtle. Lyrical
focuses on conveying feelings and R
emotions through movement and
is usually set to popular songs. I
Lyrical is often danced wearing
Twyla’s, Dance Paws, FootUndeez C
or bare feet. Though proper dance
techniques are important, the true A
heart of lyrical is found in its
expressive nature. L
M Modern was said to be developed as a rebellion against
classical ballet. Modern dance focuses on the dancers
strong relationship with the floor, methods of
O contractions, release and movement, and the
connectivity of breath. Though developed out of

D
the distaste for classical ballet, modern and
ballet are closely linked in the complexity of
technique, coordination and musicality.

E
R
N
 JAZZ
Jazz is the most popular style of dance
among dancers. Jazz pulls from all dance
styles mixing them together to create a high
energy style that knows no boundaries. It has
been influenced by ballet, modern, tap, hip-
hop, African dance and many more styles.
Jazz is most often set to up beat popular
songs of the time. Jazz shoes are worn for
this style and are typically a leather split sole
allowing the dancers foot more freedom to
bend and move. Due to the upbeat music,
power packed moves and limitless style, it
isn’t hard to see why this is the most popular
dance style!
 Elements
of
Contemporary
Dance
 Elements of Contemporary Dance
■Theme – most basic element of a dance. It conveys
the message of a dance.

■Design – pattern of movement in time and space.

■Movement – the bodily actions of the dancer that

include his steps
 Elements of Contemporary Dance
■Technique – the skill of movement executed by the
dancer

■Music – the auditory background to which a dancer

moves

■Costume & body paraphernalia – properties worn by the

dancer that help reflect the message, customs and beliefs
 Elements of Contemporary Dance
 ■Choreography – the figures and steps in dancing
that enable the dancers to perform in an organized
manner

■Scenery – the background or setting where the

dance is performed to make it more realistic and
enriching.