What is Contemporary Dance?
Contemporary dance is a style of Concert Dance, or dance intended to be performed for an audience,
that incorporates elements of Modern Dance, Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical, as well as various other dance
styles. The primary goal of Contemporary Dance is to communicate and express by manipulating the
body, time, rhythm, space, gravity, breath, and energy.
Foundational Figures of Contemporary Dance.
Martha Graham (1894 – 1991)
Martha Graham is widely regarded as the ”Mother of Contemporary Dance.” She developed the
‘’Graham Technique’’ which is widely considered to be the cornerstone of American Modern Dance.
The technique focuses on contraction and release, and working with the breath to inspire movement.
She then went on to open the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in 1926, where many of
the leading Contemporary choreographers studied.
Merce Cunningham (1919 – 2009)
Many credit Merce Cunningham with formally conceptualizing Contemporary Dance, earning him
the reputation as the ‘’Father of Contemporary Dance’’. He was a student of famed Modern Dancer
Martha Graham. He expanded on her methodology and refined the idea of Contemporary Dance as
something separate from both Ballet and Modern Dance. He is credited with introducing the concept
that Contemporary Dance should always be evolving and changing. He went on to found his own
dance company where he taught ”The Cunningham Technique,” a contemporary dance technique that
emphasizes spatial awareness, rhythmic accuracy, and torso/leg work.
CONTEMPORARY DANCE PRINCIPLE
Contemporary dance is a broad term that covers many different approaches and techniques. That
said, there are some common principles that are found in most contemporary dance classes. As
contemporary dance evolved out of the modern dance schools of the 20th century, each subsequent
school of thought embraced the principles of those that came before them and added their own unique
twist.
1. Use of Breath and body awareness
Breath is the life force that fuels movement in contemporary dance. Dancers are encouraged to be
mindful of their breath, using it to initiate and sustain their movements. The breath serves as a
powerful tool for expressing emotions and connecting with the body's natural rhythms. As dancers
breathe deeply and consciously, they can achieve a sense of fluidity and grace in their movements,
enhancing the overall performance.
Contemporary dancers are also encouraged to be aware of the natural rhythms of their bodies. This
awareness influences the quality and intention behind their movements.
2. Opposition
The principle of opposition involves creating dynamic tension within the body by moving in opposite
directions simultaneously. This technique adds complexity and dimension to the movement, fostering a
sense of balance and control. By exploring contrasting forces within their bodies, dancers can achieve a
heightened sense of energy and engagement in their performances.
3. Contraction and release
Contemporary dance often incorporates the concept of contraction and release, which involves the
spine and torso. During a contraction, the body draws inward and tightens, conveying tension and
vulnerability. Conversely, the release allows the body to surrender and expand, conveying a sense of
freedom and release. This interplay of contraction and release enables dancers to convey a wide range
of emotions and dynamics in their choreography.
4. Spiral
Spiral movements are fundamental to contemporary dance, as they allow dancers to explore circular
pathways through space. These flowing, curving motions not only add visual interest but also promote
the engagement of the entire body. Spirals can be executed in various directions and levels, enabling
dancers to create captivating and organic sequences.
5. Fall and Recovery
Fall and recovery is a dynamic principle that involves intentionally allowing the body to fall off
balance and then finding stability again. This technique emulates the natural ebb and flow of life,
where we encounter challenges and regain our composure. Through fall and recovery, dancers express
vulnerability, resilience, and adaptability in their movements, making their performances relatable and
compelling.
6. Suspension and momentum
Contemporary dance often plays with the concepts of suspension and momentum. Suspension involves
creating a sense of pause or weightlessness in a movement, as if time stands still for a moment. On the
other hand, momentum refers to the energy generated by one movement propelling the dancer into the
next. The combination of suspension and momentum adds a dynamic quality to the choreography,
creating captivating and surprising moments for the audience.
The Elements of Dance: Dance Concepts
The elements of movement are space, time, and force (energy). The instrument is the body. The body moves
in space and in time with force. The dance concepts should be viewed holistically. When participating in
dance, all elements of dance are integrated all the time. The separation among concepts here serves as a
means to think about, plan, and discuss dance.
Place: self-space/general space (also called personal/shared)
Size: big/small, near/far
SPACE Level: high, middle, low
Where is movement Direction: forward, backward, right, left, up, down, diagonal
performed? Pathway: curved, straight, zig zag
Focus: single focus or multi focus
TIME Speed: fast or slow
When is movement Rhythm: beat, pattern, and tempo
performed?
FORCE Energy: sharp (sudden) or smooth(sustained)
How is movement Weight: strong or light
performed? Flow: free or bound
Parts: head, neck, arms, wrists, elbows, hands, fingers, pelvis, spine, torso, legs, knees,
feet, toes, ankles, heels, shoulders, etc.
BODY Shapes: curved, straight, angular, twisted, symmetrical, asymmetrical
What is being used to Relationships: body parts to body parts, individuals to groups, body parts to objects,
perform? individuals to groups and objects, individuals and groups to the room/space;
mirroring, shadowing, meeting, parting, above, below, under, over, alone, connected,
etc. Balance: on/off balance
ABA: a= one phrase, b= another
Recurring theme: theme in variation (ABACA, ABBC), canon, and round
Abstract: a geometrical form, not representational
FORM Suite: moderate beginning, slow middle, fast end
How is dance Broken Form: unrelated ideas, often used for humor
structured? Chance Dance: movement selected and refined, but randomly structured
Choreographic Devices: retrograde (performing sequences backwards as if watching
movement in rewind), accumulation (A, AB, ABC, and ABCD), repetition (repeating
individual movements or movement sequences within a dance)
Reference: Hackney, P. (1998). Making Connections: Total body integration through Bartenieff Fundamentals. New York.
