Contemporary dance combines the modern dance and classical ballet elements. Contemporary is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, traditional, lyrical and classical ballet.

Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. It focuses on alignment, opposing movement, raw emotions and systematic breathing. Contemporary stresses on versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. Contemporary employs many modern dance techniques such as contact-release, fall and recovery, floor work, improvisation and lifts in partnering.

This dance genre is often done in bare feet. Contemporary can be performed to many different styles of music. Modern and contemporary dancer pioneer includes Martha Graham, Jose Limon and Merce Cunningham because they broke the rules of the strict forms of ballet. These dances/choreographers all believed that dancers should have freedom of movement, allowing their bodies to freely express their innermost feelings.

Contemporary Dance

CONTEMPORARY 1

This class provides a wonderful introduction to contemporary and self-expression drawing upon elements of contemporary technique. This class is designed for students with little or no training in dance and who like to move, take risks and be expressive. Class begins with a warm up to improve posture, alignment, build strength and flexibility followed by phrase work focusing on musicality, creativity, style and intensity. The class will get you moving in previously unimagined ways and start to find your gracefulness today.

Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 hour per class
Requirements: No experience necessary