MARY ANN FORTUNE'S DANCE STUDIO
MARY ANN FORTUNE'S DANCE STUDIO
Contemporary dance is an expressive style of dance that abandons the rigid, centered aspect of classical forms of dance, and utilizes unconventional movements from styles around the world. It incorporates certain elements of ballet, modern dance, and jazz.
Contemporary dance emerged in the 1950's as dancers reacted against the rigid constraints of ballet technique. Seeking to move with ease and fluidity, dancers began to experiment with manipulating their cores — a thought unheard of in classical ballet schools, which taught students to maintain a rigid, upright core throughout dancing.
Because of its versatility, contemporary dance is used in a variety of performance mediums throughout the world. It has evolved both commercially and professionally.
Some Contemporary elements include:
ABSTRACT
The emphasis is on movement rather than narrative
UNPREDICTABILITY
Dancers often use contrasting rhythms, directions, and postures
BReATH
In many forms of contemporary and modern dance, performers use breathing as a central part of their dancing
FLOOR WORK
Many contemporary students learn that the floor is their first partner
NON-STANDARD MOVEMNET
There isn't a set contemporary dance vocabulary, so performers are free to experiment and create new movements and positions