Contemporary dancer

Contemporary dancers are dancers who specialize in modern dance. It is an expressive style of dance that combines elements from various dance styles such as modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to bring the mind and body together through fluid dance movements. The term modern or contemporary may seem odd, as the genre was developed in the middle of the last century and remains popular today.

Some of the pioneers and trailblazers of contemporary dance were dancers and choreographers Martha Graham, Isadora Duncan and Merce Cunningham, who became known for their efforts to break the rules of classical ballet.

What do Contemporary dancers do?

Many Contemporary dancers seek employment with a dance company specializing in contemporary dance, but many also freelance. Unlike the strict nature of classical ballet, contemporary dance is much freer and often based on improvisation. Contemporary dancers focus more on floor work and work a lot with gravity, flow and resistance. Pieces are often danced barefoot and to a wide variety of musical styles.

What does it take to become a Contemporary dancer?

Contemporary dancers must be free in their movements, have a flair for improvisation, and be passionate about discovering new ways to express their innermost feelings with body and mind. Musicality and a sense of rhythm and timing are very helpful, as music often lacks a steady pulse. Most Contemporary dancers have had a solid dance education centered on both ballet and jazz.

Source: StagePool, Wikipedia, Liveabout