Modern & Contemporary Dance Overview
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Modern & Contemporary Dance Overview

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What are key elements of modern dance?

  • Specific aesthetic and formality
  • Respiration, contraction, and releasing (correct)
  • Balancing and jumping techniques
  • Fast-paced rhythms and complex choreography

    • How does contemporary dance differ from modern dance?

  • It does not use any costumes.
  • It strictly follows traditional dance techniques.
  • It incorporates elements of classical ballet. (correct)
  • It is performed only in formal settings.

    • Who developed a unique abstract dance style that is considered contemporary dance?

  • Isadora Duncan
  • Merce Cunningham (correct)
  • Martha Graham
  • Bill T. Jones

    • Which of the following statements is true about contemporary ballet?

    <p>It is a distinct category from contemporary dance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of Merce Cunningham's dance style?

    <p>Incorporation of random elements inspired by music</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which dance is NOT considered a part of the Smooth or Standard style?

    <p>Rumba</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of ballroom dance?

    <p>Enjoyed on stage and in film</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used for partner dances that are performed in a competitive or social setting?

    <p>Ballroom Dance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Latin dance is characterized by its lively and energetic movement?

    <p>Samba</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following dances is part of the Latin style in ballroom dancing?

    <p>Cha Cha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the original name of the Cha Cha dance?

    <p>The triple mambo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who developed the Cha Cha in the mid-1950s?

    <p>Enrique Jorrin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many quick steps are there in each bar of Cha Cha music?

    <p>3 quick steps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic rhythm is associated with the Cha Cha dance?

    <p>The 'cha, cha, cha' beat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of time signature is Cha Cha music composed in?

    <p>4/4 time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic that modern dance emphasizes?

    <p>Respiration and movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does contemporary dance relate to modern dance?

    <p>It incorporates elements from modern dance and other styles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is recognized for developing contemporary dance?

    <p>Merce Cunningham</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a feature of contemporary dance?

    <p>Strict adherence to classical ballet technique</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What innovative approach did Merce Cunningham take in his dance style?

    <p>Incorporating random movements and unique music</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the four fundamental elements of the Cha Cha dance?

    <p>Rock step</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the basic side step for men, which foot is used to sidestep to the left first?

    <p>Left foot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step follows the left foot moving in place in the basic side step for men?

    <p>Step backward &amp; left with the right foot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the third step in the basic side step for women?

    <p>Weight shifts to the right foot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the last step in the basic side step for women?

    <p>Sidestep to the right with the right foot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of modern and contemporary dance?

    <p>Encouragement of the use of emotions and moods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element of contemporary dance involves the messages conveyed through movement?

    <p>Theme</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'choreography' refer to in contemporary dance?

    <p>An organized routine composed of different figures and steps.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the element 'design' in contemporary dance?

    <p>The patterns of movement in space and time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of contemporary dance involves the influence of body gravity on movement?

    <p>Movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which dance technique focuses on the positioning of the feet in a straight line?

    <p>Feet Parallel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key focus of the Contraction technique in Graham dance?

    <p>Enhancing torso flexibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Graham dance technique involves applying pressure onto the ball of the foot?

    <p>Demi Pointe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main action involved in the Release technique?

    <p>Straightening the back</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which position is the Demi Pointe performed?

    <p>With feet parallel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the Roll Down exercise?

    <p>To strengthen stomach muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Circular Spring exercise?

    <p>A jump that travels across the floor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What position should dancers start from when performing jumps?

    <p>Demi Pointe position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the intended outcome of the Support and Counter Balances exercise?

    <p>To show equality in dance steps between performers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about jumps in dance?

    <p>They require a pointed toe upon takeoff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Modern & Contemporary Dance

    • Modern dance emerged between 1900 and 1950, differentiating itself from ballet and Martha Graham's "Isadorables" with its emphasis on individualized expression and movement.
    • Key elements of modern dance include respiration, contraction, and release.
    • Contemporary dance builds upon modern dance principles, incorporating elements of ballet, jazz, and lyrical dance.
    • Contemporary ballet and contemporary dance are distinct categories, with the latter often performed in lyrical style or barefoot.
    • Merce Cunningham, a former student of Graham, developed a unique abstract dance style greatly influenced by John Cage's random music.
    • Cunningham's innovative approach redefined traditional dance techniques and is now recognized as contemporary dance.

    Characteristics of Modern and Contemporary Dance

    • Embraces emotional expression and moods in movement creation.
    • Utilizes contraction, release, fall, and recovery techniques.
    • Emphasizes body gravity to enhance movement.
    • Focuses on naturalistic movement.
    • Allows dancers freedom and expressiveness.

    Ballroom Dance: A World of Partnered Movement

    • Ballroom dance encompasses formalized partnered dances enjoyed socially and competitively worldwide.
    • It's also appreciated for its performance and entertainment aspects, often featured in stage productions, films, and competitions.

    Types of Ballroom Dance

    • Ballroom dance is categorized into two styles: Smooth or Standard and Rhythm or Latin.
    • Smooth or Standard dances include: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz.
    • Rhythm or Latin dances include: Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble.

    The Cha Cha: A Lively Latin Rhythm

    • Origins: Cha Cha, with roots in Cuban dance traditions, is related to numerous Latin dances.
    • Development: Developed by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin in the mid-1950s.
    • Original Name: Originally known as a slowed-down mambo, or "the triple mambo".
    • Music Composition: Set in 4/4 time with four beats per bar.
    • Steps per Bar: Two slow steps and three quick steps in each bar.
    • Footwork: Simple footwork emphasizing weight shifts from one foot to the other.

    Cha Cha Basic Steps

    • Four Fundamental Elements: Forward, Backward, Sidesteps, and Rock step.
    • Basic Side Step for Men:
      • Sidestep to the left with the left foot.
      • Step backward and left with the right foot.
      • Left foot in place, shifting weight to it.
      • Sidestep to the right with the right foot.
      • Move the left foot to the right foot.
      • Sidestep to the right with the right foot.
      • Step forward and right with the left foot.
      • Right foot in place, shifting weight to it.
      • Sidestep to the left with the left foot.
    • Basic Side Step for Women:
      • Sidestep to the right with the right foot.
      • Step forward and right with the left foot.
      • Right foot in place, shifting weight to it.
      • Sidestep to the left with the left foot.
      • Move right foot to the left foot.
      • Sidestep to the right with the left foot.
      • Step backward and left with the right foot.
      • Left foot in place, shifting weight to it.
      • Sidestep to the right with the right foot.

    Elements of Contemporary Dance

    • Theme: The basic dance elements that convey the messages of movement.
    • Design: The dance pattern of movement in space and time.
    • Movement: The body movement of the performer with dance steps.
    • Technique: Movement techniques demonstrating the performer's skills.
    • Costume and Body Paraphernalia: Items worn by a performer that convey the messages of the dance.
    • Choreography: An organized routine composed of different figures and steps.
    • Scenery: A set of realistic background where the performers execute the choreography.

    Graham Dance Techniques

    • Feet Parallel: Toes and heels stay in a straight line position.
    • Demi Pointe: The foot stays in its parallel position, with pressure on the ball of the foot, preparing to push away.
    • Contraction: A Graham technique focusing on torso flexibility, performed in standing or sitting positions.
    • Release: From a contraction position, a straightening of the back to return to the starting position.

    Dance Exercises

    • Roll Down: An exercise involving stomach muscles to fold in, often done against a wall to prevent pelvic sway.
    • Circular Spring: An exercise involving both legs to jump and travel along the dance floor.
    • Jumps: Starting from a Demi Pointe position, the toes are pointed for the jump.
    • Support and Counter Balances: Both performers demonstrate equal skill in lifting and turns while maintaining a balanced and supportive partnership.

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    Description

    Explore the evolution of modern and contemporary dance, highlighting key figures like Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. Understand the fundamental principles that differentiate these dance forms, including emotional expression and unique movement techniques. Dive into the characteristics that define contemporary dance in relation to its modern roots.

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