Modern/Contemporary Dance PDF

Modern/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 movements. Contemporary dance s...

Modern/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 movements. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet.  Modern/Contemporary Dance Contemporary dancers focus on floorwork, using gravity to pull them down to the floor. This dance genre is often done in barefoot. Contemporary dance can be performed to many different styles of music.  Characteristics of Modern/Contemporary Dance Different styles of dance have a particular way to produce or perform movement. However it is very hard to define Contemporary Dance. Contemporary itself is a Genre not a technique because it incorporates a range of different styles to create its own unique look.  Modern/Contemporary Dance Style Contemporary dance tends to be intricate and physical, and the dancers change levels and directions quickly and seamlessly. Contemporary dance may deal with abstract concepts, images, or emotional extremes. Some contemporary choreography tells a story based on the words of a song, but other pieces have story lines known only to the dancers and their choreographer.  History Contemporary emerged in the 1950’s out of the constraints of Classical Ballet. A lady called Martha Graham decided to rebel against the rigid style of Ballet and perform movement that was ‘freer’ and involved using the body and gravity. She started to use costumes that were away from the traditional lyrical dresses and Ballet Tutus. From here Contemporary Dance continued to develop into ‘Modern Dance’ as it is today.  Health Benefits involved in Contemporary Dance  Yes, absolutely. Contemporary Dance is Popular for its benefits of Mind and Body Coordination.  Better coordination, agility, flexibility and body balance. Improved balance and spatial awareness. Increased physical confidence. Improved mental functioning. Improved general and psychological well-being. Greater self-confidence and self-esteem. Better social skills.  Contemporary is a form of expressive dance that combines components of different dance styles. It aims to correlate the mind and the body within fluid dance moves.  Techniques There are 5 main techniques used in Contemporary Dance: Cunningham Graham Limon Release Improvisation  Cunningham Technique (named after teacher and choreographer Merce Cunningham) This style focused on the architecture of the body in space, rhythm and articulation. What does that mean? Cunningham uses the idea of the body's own "line of energy" to promote easy, natural movement.  Graham Technique (named after Martha Graham) This style focuses on the use of contraction, release, fall and recovery. What does that mean? Graham technique is characterized by floorwork and the use of abdominal and pelvic contractions. The style is very grounded and the technique visibly contrary to the sylphlike, airborne ideals of ballet.  Limon Technique (named after Jose Limon) Involves exploring the use of energy in relation to gravity and working with weight in terms of fall, rebound, recovery and suspension. What does that mean? Limon technique uses the feeling of weight and "heavy energy" in the body, and movement is instigated using breath to lift, and swings through the body to create and halt movement. It also feels very nice to perform!  Release Technique Placing emphasis on minimizing tension in the search for clarity and fluidity and efficient use of energy and breath. What does that mean? A bit like it sounds - in Release Technique, we release through the joints and muscles to create ease of movement, releasing the breath to aid the release of the body. A great relaxation technique as well as a dance style.  Improvisation Technique Improvisation Improvisation focuses on the investigation of movement and its relation to performance. Development of individual movement material is facilitated through a variety of creative explorations. Contact Improvisation Contact improvisation describes a duet dance form characterized by weight exchange, fluid movement and touch. Partners improvise using the natural movement of the body.