What is Contemporary Dance?
Contemporary dance is a genre of dance performance that developed during the mid-20th century and has since evolved into one of the most prevalent forms of dance in the performing arts world.
It incorporates elements from various dance styles including modern, jazz, lyrical, and ballet. It is known for its versatility, as it can be performed to almost any style of music, or united with other dance forms to create new, intriguing fusions.
The Philosophy Behind Contemporary Dance:
The essence of contemporary dance lies in its ability to express the inner landscape of human emotions—joy, despair, hope, and more. This style of dance strives to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. The choreography is often inspired by the dancers' own experiences and emotions, which makes it deeply personal and unique.
Key Characteristics of Contemporary Dance:
1. Fluidity and Precision: Contemporary dancers seamlessly blend movements, possessing a fluid quality that defies the stark lines and positions typical of ballet.
2. Grounded Movements: Unlike ballet, which often focuses on light, airy steps, contemporary dance frequently utilizes the weight of the body, creating a grounded performance.
3. Freedom of Expression: This dance form allows dancers to perform with freedom of movement, encouraging individual interpretation and improvisation as integral parts of a performance.
4. Connection and Communication: Contemporary dance often seeks to communicate a story or a set of emotions, connecting the audience and the performers in a vivid emotional journey.
Techniques and Skills: Contemporary dancers are trained to employ a mix of classical ballet and modern dance techniques. These include the use of contraction, release, floor work, fall and recovery, and the improvisation of movements that convey genuine emotions.
The technique is as much about the balance and alignment of the body as it is about the expression of emotion. Contemporary dance is more than just a dance form; it is a medium through which dancers can express themselves most profoundly. It challenges the traditional norms of dance while providing a platform for personal expression and artistic innovation.
For those captivated by the emotional depth and the physical intricacies of dance, contemporary dance offers a compelling avenue of exploration that transcends the conventional boundaries of artistic expression. Our new season here at Academy 8:31 will include a contemporary dance! Come and learn this beautiful style by clicking here for a FREE trial.