I am involved in contemporary dance. Occasionally I am asked what this is - your definitions please?

Question

The realm of dance can be said to fall into the categories of commercial (videos, west end), competitive (ballroom, latin) and classical (ballet). Does contemporary (modern) warrant its own category (I think so), plus we have various cultural forms (indian, locking, fluid etc). My question is simply how to describe contemporary dance to someone who has little knowledge of dance.

Answer 1

Contemporary dance is based on a specific topic, and uses movement from not as catagorised dance.

Answer 2

It came about as people rebelled against the strict forms and movements of ballet, and they wanted to be more free. So it has a lot of the classical elements to it, but they are done more gently and your whole body is more relaxed (eg you don't have to point you feet all the time). It also pulls in elements form other dance forms around the world. Most importantly, it is CONTEMPORARY, or 'of the time'.

Answer 3

"If I could tell you that, I wouldn't have to dance it."
Isadora Duncan, asked what one of her dances meant.

Contemporary dance was developed in the early 20th century as a reaction against the rigid techniques of ballet. Pioneers such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham searched for ease of movement using the body's natural lines and energy, allowing a greater range and fluidity of movement than conventional dance techniques.

Contemporary dance is characterised by its versatility: contemporary can be danced to almost any style of music, or united with other dance forms to create new styles of movement. Contemporary seeks to work with the natural alignment of the body, and is therefore safe and accessible for beginners. At the same time, the ease of movement promoted by contemporary dance technique allows experienced dancers to push new boundaries of body movement.

Contemporary includes modern and postmodern dancing.

Answer 4

Contemporary is more 'Expressional dancing' and a bit different and quirky.

Answer 5

i think contemporary refers to hip hop, and sum jazz--that is what i mostly see in our generation