 |
Modern Dance
Modern Dance is an evolution from Classical Ballet. It breaks the rules of Classical Ballet and creates new ones of its own. It therefore has fewer restrictions, and can be seen as a fusion of many dances. So, in one single Modern Contemporary Dance class, you may get to try out lots of different dances. You could find yourself dancing a routine that has elements of African dance, Tango, Salsa, Jazz, Ballet and so on. You name it, you’ll probably find it in a Modern Dance class. In its sophistication it has developed many styles and techniques. The beauty of it is that it allows a freer dance, which can be initiated by music or by an internal theme or inspiration. We've provided a clip from our Modern Dance Workout DVD so that you can see how the beginning of a Contemporary Dance routine is choreographed. This bit features just the initial arm movements.
There are countless benefits...
What more could you want? The ClassRelease, Graham, Cunningham, Limon. These are some of the techniques that Contemporary Dance teachers will follow. As a beginner, they don’t need to mean very much to you. So don’t be alarmed when your Contemporary Dance class has one of these labels. You’ll be able to join in just fine. Many Modern Dance classes start with a thorough posture check. And this is ours... Try this at home when you have a quiet five minutes to yourself. It is THE exercise to do before you start a dance class, not just modern dance, but any style. Feel good? Yep, it works every time. Try to do it as often as possible - it'll help your dancing enormously. As you will use every part of your body for Modern Dance, it is important to ensure that each area is equally loose and warm. So you’ll probably get a thorough warm up at this stage incorporating Ballet and Yoga moves, some Jazz steps and lots of stretches. You will be encouraged to let go of any tension in your joints and really flex your whole body. There are many dances that you’ll do under the umbrella of Contemporary Dance that are free flowing and aren’t a series of choreographed steps for you to remember, so you’ll have freedom to move the way you feel like moving. Your co-ordination and confidence will grow with every class. Also bear in mind that it is perfectly acceptable to start by copying only part of a move if your teacher is choreographing a routine for you. For example, if you find it too much to co-ordinate feet and arms together, do one or the other for a while until you’ve mastered it and then just add them together. There are many different dances and experiences you could come across in Contemporary Dance. You may learn a whole routine of a fusion of many dances, choreographed for you. 
Or you may do a freer style and be able to make up your own movements, perhaps having been given a theme by the teacher such as ‘The Ocean’, ‘Fire, ‘Friends’ and so on. If you are interpreting your own theme, don’t forget that dancing doesn’t just take place on two feet. Use the floor too.In some Contemporary classes you may also be encouraged to try contact work – working with a partner to make up moves, and trying out steps that need you to lean on or touch your partner. Whichever type of lesson you are in, you are likely to hear a very wide range of musical styles – lots of different rhythms and textures for you to work with. This is very physical work – even if you are dancing slowly and using only small movements. Most people find Contemporary Dance utterly absorbing and don’t notice how much hard work their body is doing. So it is likely that you’ll get a good, thorough cool down session to end your class. Clothes and ShoesComfortable, loose clothing which does not restrict your movement is best for Modern Dance. You should perform the exercises in bare feet or wearing socks, and should not wear any type of shoe. Nothing else is required for you to take part in a Contemporary Dance class and get the most from your dancing, but a big smile always helps! The Teacher
The types of teacher drawn to instructing Contemporary Dance are as wide ranging as the dance itself. If the class is ‘free’ movement – in other words, making up your own movements – you’ll need a teacher who gently encourages you and will go amongst the class to help any individual pupil fully interpret the theme. If you are in a class where the teacher is going to choreograph a routine for you, then always try to find someone who will break down the moves carefully to a very basic level. Contemporary Dance teachers are usually very good at doing this, as every tiny movement is cherished and valuable to a Modern Dance routine. Try our Modern Contemporary Dance Workout Now! The Other Pupils
Because Modern Dance incorporates so many different styles of dance, the pupils are usually a very mixed bag.It is a great class for anyone who knows that they want to dance, but doesn’t yet know which style. So, there’ll be everyone from the young and trendy wanting an introduction to the world of dance before going on to study Hip Hop, to the older pupil who wants to get fit but can’t stand boredom of the gym. There’ll be those who have danced before and those who never have. Modern Dance draws a truly mixed class. It’s an excellent way to sample lots of dances. Moves, Steps and RoutinesWhat moves and steps are you likely to experience in a Modern Dance class?
It is all designed to encourage freedom of movement and personal interpretation while weaving in many varied and demanding steps and positions. Modern dance will enable you to harmonize your mind and body, regardless of your age or dancing ability.And by the end of the session you will be amazed at the richness of the final routine which you will be able to dance with panache – because it has come from within you.
Start MODERN Dance Within MINUTES!
|
If concern over lack of co-ordination is keeping you away from dance classes, Contemporary Dance is a very good, safe place to start.
