The term contemporary stands for ‘modern.’ Thus, the contemporary dance form is a modern dance style that is expressive and soothing at the same time. This dance form perfectly blends numerous genres like hip-hop, classical ballet, lyrical, jazz, and modern.
Besides, the dance establishes a connection between the mind and body through flexible and fluid moves. Unlike the rigid steps of traditional ballet, this dance style emphasizes the versatility of the body and mind.
It requires the dancers to dance without footwear – as they are pulled to the floor on account of gravity. The steps involved in contemporary dances also resemble classical concert dances, ballets, and modern dance styles.
The dance techniques are intertwined with the alignment of a person’s body, so beginners can easily practice it. Due to its easy techniques and movements, contemporary dancing allows dancers to try new body movements.
What are the different types of contemporary dance techniques?
- Cunningham technique: The technique derives its name from Merce Cunnigham. Merce cunningham stresses the body’s design in rhythm, space, and articulation. It entails the method uses a person’s line of energy to ensure easy and natural movements.
- Graham Technique: Martha Graham, the founder of the Graham technique, requires individuals to focus on the uses of fall, recovery, release, and contraction. Besides, this technique can be discerned with pelvic and abdominal contractions and floor work. The dance form is grounded and differs from the airborne and sylphlike structures of ballet.
- Limon Technique: The term was coined by dance Jose Limon. It revolves around the capacity to use one’s energy. It allows the dancer to work with gravity and weight in relation to suspension, recovery, rebound, and fall. This technique is carried out by using the body’s weight and heavy energy. Most of the movements are carried out using breath, swings, and lifts flowing through the body to pause and produce movements. The body of the dancer feels light during the performance.
- Release technique: This technique emphasizes the need to minimize tension to lookout for clarity, efficiency, and fluidity. It involves the use of breath and energy. As the title suggests, the dancer can release tension via the joints and muscles to ease movements. Release of breath helps in facilitating body movements. It is a famous dance style, but it also helps the dancer feel calm and relaxed.
Contemporary dance triggers innovation and versatility. The history of modern dance dates back to the mid-20th century. At this time, Isadora Duncan, a ballet dancer belonging to the United States, decided to get out of the box and break free from the rigid structure of ballet.
Merce Cunningham is another legendary figure in the niche of a contemporary niche. Besides, Merce Cunningham is known for creating over 150 works dedicated to the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. Look out for a contemporary dance San Diego.
Reach out to San Elijo, registered and located in Dance Academy San Diego, to learn from an array of dance styles like jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, and so on.
