The Revolutionary

Movement of Modern and

Contemporary Dances
Lesson Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:
a. Identify the characteristics and types of modern and
contemporary dance.
b. Appreciate the importance of basic dance steps in performing
modern and contemporary dance.
c. Create a contemporary dance performance.
Modern Dance
Modern Dance
Modern dance is a style of
theatrical dancing that is not
restricted as classical ballet and
movements are expressive of
feelings.
History of Modern Dance

Modern dance was originated in the united

states in early 1900’s. it was started as a
rebellion against the strict style of classical
ballet. It was based on utopian style of
dancing which being seen as extremely
radical in nature of movements.
Pioneers of Modern Dance

• Martha Graham (Mother of Modern Dance)

• Ruth St. Denis
• Ted Shawn
• Isadora Duncan
• Loie Fuller
Characteristics of Modern Dance
• Dance improvisation- dance is interpretative instead of using sets
of steps and dance book.

• The dance consist of loose movements.

• Gravity plays an important role in dancing.

• Tells story through dance which use motions, props, music and
lights to show emotions.
Characteristics of Modern Dance
• Costumes are important to the overall dance.
• Do a lot of floor work and choreography on the
ground.
• C-shaped spine
• Barefoot or light shoes are being used in the
dance.
• Use heavy movements.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance is a style of
expressive dance that combines elements of
several dance genres including modern,
jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet.
Contemporary dancers strive to connect the
mind and the body through fluid dance
movement.
History of Contemporary Dance
During the 19th century, theatrical dance performance was
synonymous with ballet. Ballet is a formal technique that
developed from court dance during the Italian Renaissance and
became popular.

Around the end of the 19th century, several dancers began to break
the ballet mild. All of whom developed unique styles of movement
based on theories of their own. All focused less on formal
techniques, and more on emotional and physical expression.
History of Contemporary Dance
During the mid of 1940’s, Merce Cunningham began
exploring his own form of dance. He introduced the
concept that dance movements could be random and
that each performance could be unique. Because of his
complete break with formal dance techniques, is often
referred to as the father of the contemporary dance.
Characteristics of Contemporary Dance

• Grounded movement

• Appreciation of the body and its natural movement

• Themes or motifs in movement

• Facial expression while dancing other than smiling

• Interesting, different movement that does not fall into other dance categories.
Characteristics of Contemporary Dance

• Accents in movements (sudden or even sharp movements in the

midst of slow, smooth movement)

• Exploring human experience through movements.

• A basis in techniques but a focus on execution and “feeling” the

movement.

• Partner connection through movement.

Elements of Contemporary Dance
1. Theme- It conveys the message of the dance.

2. Design- pattern of movements in time and space.

3. Movement- the bodily actions of the dancers that include his steps.

4. Technique- the skill of movement executed by the dancer.

5. Music- the auditory background to which a dancer moves.

Elements of Contemporary Dance

6. Costume and body paraphernalia- properties worn by the dancer

that help reflect the message, customs and beliefs.

7. Choreography- the figures and steps in dancing that enable the

dancers to perform in an organized manner.

8. Scenery- the background or setting where the dance is performed to

make it more realistic and enriching.
The purpose of contemporary is to let the
dancer express his or her inner emotions to
the audience. The dancer tells a story to the
audience, that is generally sad or depressing
in hopes of making them an emotion.
Basic dance step of contemporary dance
1. Turns
2. Jumps
3. Floor Work
4. Rolls-Flat back rolls
5. Lifting
1. Why expressions of emotion is
important in dancing?
2. What are the preparations you
need to do before a dance
performance?
3. What are important factors of a
good dance performance?
Folkdance Performance
When? December 4, 2023.
Group 1 – La Jota Moncadenia
• Arapohop • Banez
• Berces • Banez
• Bullos
• Brioso
• Cabacab
• Cabanit
• Cabaya
• Cabanit • Callo
• Cabatu
• Cabusora
• Cadiz
• Cera
• Cereno
Group 2- Binatbatan
• Conception
• Corpoz
• Corpuz
• Gasmen • Crispin
• Gasmin • Lazarte
• Pascua • Lazarte
• Mendoza
• Polero
• Pira
• Pradilla • Querol
• Rosero
• Tejada
• Tedaja