What is contemporary dance?
If you watch dance on TV or attend dance competitions, chances are you’ve seen a LOT of contemporary dance. Contemporary dance has become pervasive in the dance field, influencing almost every dance style from ballet to Broadway. But for as common as contemporary dance has become, it can feel impossible to define. Even contemporary dance teachers, choreographers, and dancers often have a hard time explaining exactly what “contemporary dance” is!
Part of the reason for the confusion is the fact that “contemporary dance” is a term used to describe many different dance aesthetics and choreographic styles. Contemporary dance is a broad term, and generally speaking, there is no one widely accepted definition of what contemporary dance is. The term contemporary dance, and the dance styles described as “contemporary,” originated in the late 20th and early 21st century. All contemporary dance forms share similar features, but they all have different feels and objectives. For example, most dances described as “contemporary” have these things in common:
- focus on groundedness and connection to the floor
- floor work and use of the lower level in technique and choreography
- articulation of the spine, such as contractions, arches, spirals, and sinewy movement
- focus on momentum and flow of movement over specific shapes
- use of both gestures and abstract shapes
- use of improvisation in class and in the choreographic process
- focus on personal expression or storytelling through the movement and choreography
Applications of the term contemporary dance
Below, I’ll share 3 different applications or descriptions of the term “contemporary dance,” and briefly describe the overall influences and approach to movement in each. These applications are rooted in my experience, observations, and research as a dancer, educator, and choreographer in ballet, modern, musical theatre, jazz, and jazz-derived forms like lyrical and contemporary dance. Because contemporary dance not a clearly defined term, your understanding of what contemporary dance is may differ. I’d love to hear what you think about these applications and descriptions – please share in the comments!
1.) Contemporary dance rooted in modern/post-modern dance
Some dance educators use the term contemporary to describe the latest evolution of dance derived exclusively from modern dance techniques. In this definition, contemporary dance can be seen as the next wave of modern dance, or as a branch of the modern dance tree, which also includes postmodern dance, contact improvisation, and release techniques. In this approach to contemporary dance, the movement may be rooted in many different sources, including:
- the modern dance techniques of choreographers such as Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Jose Limón, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, or Katherine Dunham
- somatic practices such as Bartenieff Fundamentals (developed by Irmgard Bartenieff), Body-Mind Centering® (developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen), and The Alexander Technique (developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander), among others
- everyday “pedestrian” actions and gestures such as walking, running, skipping, rolling, reaching, and swaying
- movement inspired by or fused with other dance styles, including folk dances or vernacular dances
- organic movement derived from the dancers or choreographer through improvisation
I’ve found this usage of the term to be most common in college dance programs. In this application of the term contemporary dance, the choreography may be more abstract in nature, with less focus on storytelling or emotional expression – although many also communicate a clear message to the audience, such as a political or social statement. Some choreographers whose work I would consider to be “contemporary dance” using this application of the definition include Kyle Abraham, Doug Varone, and Shen Wei. Who are your favorite contemporary dance choreographers? Let me know in the comments!
2.) Contemporary dance in the dance studio, competition, and commercial settings
In the dance studio, competition, and commercial dance worlds, contemporary dance commonly refers to a dance style that uses elements of ballet, modern, and jazz dance techniques, with a focus on communicating a story or message through the choreography. This approach to contemporary dance often incorporates:
- steps from ballet and jazz dance, including turns and leaps
- concepts from modern dance, like contraction, release, and spiral
- pedestrian movement and gesture
- acrobatic movements, flexibility, or tumbling
- fusion of movement from other dance styles beyond ballet, modern, and jazz dance
- organic movement derived through improvisation is also often utilized in contemporary dance classes or choreography.
In this application of the term contemporary dance, the choreography is often highly expressive and focused on communicating a specific story or message to the audience. Some choreographers whose work I would consider to be “contemporary dance” using this application of the definition include Mia Michaels, Sonya Tayeh, and the choreographers of CDK. Who are your favorite contemporary dance choreographers? Let me know in the comments!
3.) Contemporary dance in the ballet world
The term contemporary dance in ballet can be used to describe ballet choreography that is highly influenced by modern dance. Contemporary dance in ballet uses the foundational technique and vocabulary of ballet, combined with stylistic elements of modern dance like contraction, release, or spiral in spine, turned in legs, and floor work. Contemporary dance in ballet may be performed in pointe shoes, ballet slippers, or barefoot. In this application of the term contemporary dance, the choreography is often less narrative-driven than classical ballets – think more plotless studies than Swan Lake. The choreography may be abstract, driven by emotional expression, making a political or social statement, or about the form and shape of the movement itself. Some choreographers whose work I would consider to be “contemporary dance” using this application of the definition include William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, and Crystal Pite. Who are your favorite contemporary dance choreographers? Let me know in the comments!
What is contemporary dance technique?
Contemporary dance technique refers to the skills required to perform the movement that makes up contemporary dance efficiently and with the choreographer’s contemporary dance aesthetic. Because contemporary dance is such a broad term that encompasses a wide rage of movement styles, there are many different steps, concepts, and approaches to movement that can be considered contemporary dance technique. In general, contemporary dance technique will include elements of modern dance, often fused with ballet, jazz, or other dance forms and somatic movement practices. Contemporary dance technique may include:
- Floorwork, such as tuck rolls, spiral rolls, fish flops, leg swings, and slides
- Transitions to the floor, such as falls, sweeps, jazz splits, hinges to the floor, and dive rolls
- Traveling movement, such as triplets, chasses, drags, or runs
- Stationary movement, such as weight shifts, extensions, or swings
- Spine movements, such as contraction, arch, spiral, tilt, and lateral
- Inversions, such as handstands, floor cartwheels, and some acrobatic tricks
- Turns, such as compass turns, piqué turns, and pencil turns
- Jumping movements, such as leaps, hops, assemblés, or chugs
- Gestural and expressive movements
As with any dance style, there are many fundamental aspects must also be considered in addition to the skills themselves. These include foundational movement concepts like functional alignment, fluidity and stability of the spine, use of weight, articulation of the feet and ankles, and general coordination.
For more contemporary dance technique skills, check out The Holistic Dance Teacher Contemporary Dance Skill List.
What else is important in contemporary dance training?
Contemporary dance, like all other dance styles, requires training and skill in areas other than technique. In addition to teaching the skills in this list, dance teachers will want to include lessons in movement quality, performance skills, improvisation, and expression through movement. Contemporary dance has a heavy focus on choreography, so dancers will need to learn how to pick up, retain, and perform choreography effectively. Individual expression is usually highly encouraged in contemporary dance, so dancers will need to develop strong performance skills including authentic facial expressions, dynamics, movement quality, and personal movement style. Contemporary dance students may benefit from classes in:
- Other dance techniques, especially ballet, jazz, and modern dance
- Dance improvisation
- Acting
- Acrobatics or tumbling
- Somatic movement practices, such as Bartenieff Fundamentals (developed by Irmgard Bartenieff), Body-Mind Centering® (developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen), and The Alexander Technique (developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander), among others
- Conditioning or cross training modalities, such as Pilates, Yoga, or lifting weights
About contemporary dance classes
Because contemporary dance is used to describe a variety of approaches to movement, every contemporary dance class will be a little bit different. Unlike other dance forms like ballet, is no standard vocabulary or class format for contemporary dance. However, many contemporary dance classes will feature some combination of the following activities:
- Warm-up
- Stretching or conditioning
- Across the floor progressions
- Improvisation or creative exploration
- Combination, also called a movement phrase
Contemporary dance classes often use a variety of music styles, ranging from abstract sound scores without a set meter, to instrumental selections, pop music, or even traditional or folk music from a variety of cultures. Contemporary dance is usually done barefoot or in dance socks, but at times dancers might wear a “foot paw,” “turner” (or half-shoe), or other kinds of shoe. For dance classes, contemporary dancers often wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for ease of movement. Some contemporary classes might have a dress code that requires form-fitting clothing, but in the current trend in contemporary dance wear is looser-fitting clothing. (Dancers who are new to contemporary dance should be advised that at times the movement will take them “upside down” or in off-balance shapes that might cause loose tee shirts to fly up.)
Personal expression and style can be an important part of many contemporary dance classes. Dancers may be asked to improvise or contribute to class choreography collaboratively. This might feel intimidating or overwhelming at first for some dancers, but it can be an amazing and transformative experience! Go into contemporary dance classes with an open mind and see how much you can grow as you step out of your comfort zone. For ideas to help you start or improve your personal dance improvisation practice, check out this blog post: Simple Ways to Improve Your Dance Improvisation Skills.
About contemporary dance choreography
Contemporary dance choreography can be “about” anything! This makes it an exciting dance form for choreographers and dancers to explore. Each choreographer will have an intention or purpose in mind when they create their contemporary dance choreography:
- telling a narrative story in a literal fashion, with movement and gestures that are relatable and understandable for many audience members
- evoking a mood or story in a more abstract fashion, leaving room for the audience to use their imagination and interpret the message in their own way
- expressing an emotion, rather than a specific story with the movement, dynamics, movement quality, and facial expressions of the dancers
- making a political or social statement by advocating for a particular position or raising awareness of a cause.
- finding inspiration in the movement itself – the shapes, lines, patterns, spatial relationships, momentum, etc.
In contemporary dance, the movement may be directly related to the music, expressing the lyrics, rhythms, and mood, or it may be more loosely connected, with the music creating an atmosphere or environment for dance. Some contemporary dances rely on costuming, props, or sets to communicate their message, while others use minimalistic costuming like plain clothes. Contemporary dance performances may take place on stage, may be made specifically to watch on video, or may be created for a specific location like a park, museum, or monument. If you are a dance teacher who wants to help their dance students observe contemporary dance performances and analyze what they are seeing, check out The Holistic Guide to Analyzing Dance Performance.
How can I learn more about contemporary dance?
To learn more about contemporary dance techniques, you may consider reading books like “The Essential Guide to Contemporary Dance Techniques” by Melanie Clarke, “Fifty Contemporary Choreographers” by Jo Butterworth and Lorna Sanders, and “” by Myron Nadel and Marc Strauss.
Contemporary dance teachers will love The Holistic Dance Teacher Contemporary Dance Skill List – a helpful resource for dance teachers who are building their dance lesson plans!
I’m also happy to help! I’m available for private lessons or coaching, workshops, guest teaching, and choreography in contemporary dance. Please email shannondoolingdances@gmail.com for more information or to schedule an online or in-person session. I can also provide thorough and growth-oriented feedback (critiques/adjudication) of contemporary dance choreography and/or performance – perfect for dancers getting ready for competition or auditions, or for choreographers submitting their work to festivals!
What do you think about contemporary dance?
How do YOU define contemporary dance? Do you have a good contemporary dance story or experience to share? What advice do you have for contemporary dance students or teachers? Who are your favorite contemporary dance choreographers? What are your favorite contemporary dance resources? Please share in the comments – I’d love to learn from you!
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