Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floor work, using gravity to pull them down to the floor. This dance genre is often done in bare feet. Contemporary dance can be performed to many different styles of music.
Pioneers of contemporary dance include Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. These contemporary dancers all believed that dancers should have freedom of movement, allowing their bodies to freely express their innermost feelings.
Contemporary Dance can be energetic as well a good muscular workout making it fantastic for any age or ability to do.
Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.
Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer’s individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. This type of dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Jazz dance is fun, and easy to learn and the constant movement provides a great way of keeping fit for any age or ability.
Modern dance is a dance style that centres on a dancer’s own interpretations instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. Turning against the structured techniques, costumes and shoes of ballet, these dancers favoured a more relaxed, free style of dancing.
Modern dance encourages dancers to use their emotions and moods to design their own steps and routines. It is not unusual for choreographers to invent new steps for their routines, instead of following the structured technique of ballet.
Another characteristic of modern dance is the deliberate use of gravity. Whereas classical ballet strives to be light and airy on the feet, modern dance often use the body weight to enhance movement. Unlike the classical ballet stance of an upright, erect body, Modern dance often leans, twists and deliberately falls to the floor.
Modern dance is a great way for any age or ability to enjoy dancing without having to worry about strict technique, or classical posture. Even if your new to dance, or have been dancing all of your life, Modern does wonders for the physique, confidence and definitely puts a spring in your step
Urban / Street dance, is a fusion of various dance forms mixing together.
Elements from old school, hip hop, popping, locking and buoying (breakdance) to elements of jazz, contemporary and commercial dance making it a very fast, physical , funky and exciting form of dance. Originally Urban / Street evolved outside of dance studios in any available open space such as streets, parks, school grounds, raves, and nightclubs. They are often improvisational and social in nature, encouraging interaction and contact with spectators and the other dancers.
Any age and ability can be an amazing street dancer with patience, passion and practice. Sometimes it will be very challenging and hard work but guaranteed you will improve your fitness and self confidence.
Contemporary ballet is a form of dance influenced by both classical ballet and modern dance. It employs the fundamental technique and body control (using abdominal strength) principles of classical ballet but permits a greater range of movement than classical ballet and may not adhere to the strict body lines or turnout that permeate classical ballet technique. Many of its concepts come from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floor work and turn-in of the legs. This ballet style is often performed barefoot.
Classical Ballet requires years of training to learn and master, whereas contemporary Ballet is open to all abilities from beginners to experts and offers a fun, fresh and innovative way to keep fit, toned and healthy.