Contemporary dance Contemporary dance is the exploration of the total movement potential of the body.

It differs from commercial or competitive dance in that it is not bound by set standards, as well as defined styles such as ballet or Jazz dance. Instead, it seeks to express a personalized vision, often through experimentation and collaboration for the development of new, more individualized approaches to the moving body and choreographic possibilities. [1] It does not refuse classical ballet's leg technique in favor of modern dance's stress on the torso, while it also employs contact-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation characteristic of modern dance.[2] Unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction are often used, as well. It can use elements from non-western dance cultures, for example, elements from African dance such as bent knees, or elements from the Japanese contemporary dance Butoh.[3][4] History Main article: Modern dance Contemporary dance draws on both classical ballet and modern dance, whereas postmodern dance was a direct and opposite response to modern dance. Merce Cunningham, initially a student of Martha Graham, accompanied his dance in April 1944, with music that was composed and performed by John Cage, who said that Cunningham's dance "no longer relies on linear elements (...) nor does it rely on a

movement towards and away from climax. As in abstract painting, it is assumed that an element (a movement, a sound, a change of light) is in and of itself expressive; what it communicates is in large part determined by the observer himself." Cunningham continued to showcase his work until 1953, when he formed Merce Cunningham Dance Company at the Black Mountain College in North Carolina. Cunningham is considered the first choreographer to "develop an independent attitude towards modern dance" and defy the ideas that were established by it.[4][5] Cunningham made over one hundred and fifty works for his dance company and his pieces have been incorporated into ballet and modern dance companies internationally.[4][5] [edit]Cunningham's key ideas Cunningham's key ideas include:

Contemporary dance does not refuse the classical ballet's leg technique in favor of modern dance's stress on the torso

Contemporary dance is not necessarily narrative form of art Choreography that appears disordered, but nevertheless relies on technique Unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction Multiple and simultaneous actions Suspension of perspective and symmetry in ballet scenic frame perspective such as front, center, and hierarchies

Creative freedom

"Independence between dance and music" Dance to be danced, not analyzed Innovative lighting, sets, and costumes in collaboration with Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jasper Johns
[4]

Hawkins technique Jos Limn technique Horton technique Humphrey-Weidman technique Graham technique Cunningham technique Corporeal mime - tienne Decroux technique Pilates Release technique Yoga Sullivan Technique

Other pioneers of contemporary dance (the offspring of modern and postmodern) include Ruth St. Denis, Doris Humphrey, Mary Wigman, Francois Delsarte, mile JaquesDalcroze, Paul Taylor, Rudolph von Laban, Loie Fuller, Jose Limon and Marie Rambert. Choreographer's role There is usually a choreographer who makes the creative decisions. He/she chooses whether the piece is an abstract or a narrativeone. Dancers are selected based on their skill and training. The choreography is determined based on its relation to the music or sounds that is danced to. The role of music in contemporary dance is different than in other genres because it can serve as a backdrop to the piece. The choreographer has control over the costumes and their aesthetic value for the overall composition of the performance and also in regards to how they influence dancers movements. Dance techniques and movement philosophies employed in contemporary dance may include:

The name "Contemporary Dance" describes a range of techniques and styles used in classes, workshops and dance choreography. Contemporary dance was developed in the early 20th century as a reaction against the rigid techniques of ballet. Pioneers such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham searched for ease of movement using the body's natural lines and energy, allowing a greater range and fluidity of movement than conventional dance techniques. Contemporary dance is characterised by its versatility: contemporary can be danced to almost any style of music, or united with other dance forms to create new styles of movement. Contemporary seeks to work with the natural alignment of the body, and is therefore safe and accessible for beginners. At the same time, the ease of movement promoted by contemporary dance technique allows experienced dancers to push new boundaries of body movement.

Contemporary ballet Alexander technique[7] Bartenieff Fundamentals Contact improvisation Dance improvisation Franklin-Methode

lift, and swings through the body to create and halt movement. It also feels very nice to perform! Release - placing emphasis on minimising tension in the search for clarity and fluidity and efficient use of energy and breath. What does that mean? A bit like it sounds - in Release technique, we release through the joints and muscles to create ease of movement, releasing the breath to aid the release of the body. A great relaxation technique as well as a dance style.

Contemporary Dance techniques The four main techniques used in contemporary dance are: Cunningham (named after teacher and choreographer Merce Cunningham, focusing on the architecture of the body in space, rhythm and articulation.) What does that mean? Cunningham uses the idea of the body's own "line of energy" to promote easy, natural movement. Richard Alston uses Cunningham technique in his graceful choreography. Graham (named after Martha Graham) - focusing on the use of contraction, release, fall and recovery. What does that mean? Graham technique is characterised by floorwork and the use of abdominal and pelvic contractions. The style is very grounded and the technique visibly contrary to the sylphlike, airborne ideals of ballet. Limon (named after Jose Limon) exploring use of energy in relation to gravity and working with weight in terms of fall, rebound, recovery and suspension. What does that mean? Limon technique uses the feeling of weight and "heavy energy" in the body, and movement is instigated using breath to

Two or more contemporary techniques may be combined in class or in a piece of choreography.

Improvisation Improvisation focuses on the investigation of movement and its relation to performance. Development of individual movement material is facilitated through a variety of creative explorations. Contact Improvisation Contact improvisation describes a duet dance form characterised by weight exchange, fluid movement and touch. Partners improvise using the natural movement of the body. Choreography Choreography workshops are designed to encourage personal investigation into ideas suitable for choreography.