The academic definition of Modern Dance is a form of concert dance that has its roots in the techniques of Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey/Charles Weidman, and the other pioneers/founders of what was then called contemporary dance in the early twentieth century in America. Today's use of the word Contemporary as applied to dance has become a fusion of a ballet based emotional and passionate dance form which crosses the lines of all forms of dance technique, and uses modern dance forms as well and jazz. Link to Janice’s book
We have a unique vocabulary which we Modern Dancers utilize; contractions, fall and recovery, release, breath, sustainment, swing, suspension, to mention only a few. "Contemporary" seems to have found its beginnings in what I call TV dance, the popular SYTYCD type programs and competition dance. While these shows have popularized dance to the public who otherwise would probably not frequent your local ballet company's performances, we dancers and teachers now have to deal with the confused results like phone calls from moms who would like to have their child study Modern or Contemporary..but ask "What is it?".
As a Modern dancer this is a frequent question. Modern, in regards to dance, means contemporary or new, but not anymore. In our definition of modern dance, there are steps that are rarely executed - forte turns, straddle jumps, many pirouettes...and in Modern dance, steps include the use of the weight of the body against the floor. Today inverted movements (handstands, and upside down movement) are also in full swing..(pardon the pun).
So what is contemporary...I call it dance that has become popular through competitions and television. Dance that is done to lyrics, some may call Lyrical. I work with a PH. D. scholar in Dance Education who believes there is no such thing as Lyrical. That is another chapter in our world of Dance. At this point, I think that "Contemporary" dance is a form of dance which uses all forms of composition in the choreography. You have to have a strong balletic background to create the lines necessary and the strength and athleticism of Modern dance technique along with a strong technique in jazz dance to create the heart felt pieces that we see.
And as Dick Andros use to say in class..."If it isn't pretty, it isn't right!"
Contemporary Dance is a new genre finding its way, while Modern Dance is an established dance form which has been around for over 100 years.
Ellie Potts Barrett
We have a unique vocabulary which we Modern Dancers utilize; contractions, fall and recovery, release, breath, sustainment, swing, suspension, to mention only a few. "Contemporary" seems to have found its beginnings in what I call TV dance, the popular SYTYCD type programs and competition dance. While these shows have popularized dance to the public who otherwise would probably not frequent your local ballet company's performances, we dancers and teachers now have to deal with the confused results like phone calls from moms who would like to have their child study Modern or Contemporary..but ask "What is it?".
As a Modern dancer this is a frequent question. Modern, in regards to dance, means contemporary or new, but not anymore. In our definition of modern dance, there are steps that are rarely executed - forte turns, straddle jumps, many pirouettes...and in Modern dance, steps include the use of the weight of the body against the floor. Today inverted movements (handstands, and upside down movement) are also in full swing..(pardon the pun).
So what is contemporary...I call it dance that has become popular through competitions and television. Dance that is done to lyrics, some may call Lyrical. I work with a PH. D. scholar in Dance Education who believes there is no such thing as Lyrical. That is another chapter in our world of Dance. At this point, I think that "Contemporary" dance is a form of dance which uses all forms of composition in the choreography. You have to have a strong balletic background to create the lines necessary and the strength and athleticism of Modern dance technique along with a strong technique in jazz dance to create the heart felt pieces that we see.
And as Dick Andros use to say in class..."If it isn't pretty, it isn't right!"
Contemporary Dance is a new genre finding its way, while Modern Dance is an established dance form which has been around for over 100 years.
Ellie Potts Barrett
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