What is contemporary dance?

Contemporary dance is a performance dance genre 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. While rooted in classical ballet and modern dance, it incorporates elements from many styles of dance.

Key characteristics of contemporary dance include:

• Emphasis on Improvisation and Experimentation: Contemporary dancers often explore movement spontaneously and develop unique choreographic vocabularies.
• Floorwork: Movements are not restricted to an upright position; dancers frequently utilize the floor and explore low levels.
• Use of Gravity: Rather than defying gravity like ballet, contemporary dance often embraces it, using weight and momentum as driving forces.
• Unstructured Lines and Asymmetrical Shapes: Traditional dance forms emphasize symmetry and clean lines. Contemporary dance breaks from these conventions.
• Emotional Expression: Dancers often use movement to convey complex emotions and narratives.
• Diverse Music and Costuming: Contemporary dance is not bound by traditional music or costume norms. Choreographers may use a wide range of musical styles and costumes (or lack thereof) to enhance their work.
• Fusion of Styles: Incorporates elements from various dance genres like jazz, lyrical, and even world dance traditions.

Important figures in contemporary dance include:

• Merce Cunningham: Known for his chance-based choreography and collaborations with avant-garde artists.
• Trisha Brown: Developed a signature style based on movement invention and gravity.
• Pina Bausch: Pioneered Tanztheater, a form of dance-theater that blends movement, text, and visual elements.
• William Forsythe: Known for his innovative use of space and choreography.