Contemporary dance is a genre of dance performance that developed during the mid-twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the dominant genres for formally trained dancers throughout the world, with particularly strong popularity in the U.S. and Europe. It involves incorporating aspects of movement from several other genres such as jazz, modern, and ballet. Unlike traditional forms of dance, contemporary is considered to be somewhat unbound by much rigidity and rules. The dancers of this genre have the ability to transform a performance based on their own interpretations. This is achieved through honing in on certain techniques, such as focusing on strong ballet-influenced leg movements, fall and recovery, floor work, and further improvisational elements. Some key features of contemporary dance include:
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Incorporation of multiple dance styles: Contemporary dance blends elements of multiple dance styles, including classical, modern, jazz, and lyrical.
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Emphasis on personal expression: The style is more about how the dancer taps into their personal expression, rather than how perfect their form is.
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Unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction: Contemporary dance often employs unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction.
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Barefoot performances: More frequently than not, contemporary dance is performed barefoot.
Contemporary dance is a style of interpretive dance that embraces innovation, blending techniques from various genres, including classical, modern, jazz, and lyrical. It lets dancers express emotionality through movements and breath.
