Contemporary
Contemporary is a stage dance style that grew from modern dance and ballet in the 20th century and keeps changing today. It works with the weight of the body, the breath, falls and recoveries, spirals and floor work, and it leaves room for improvisation. It is taught in a group, usually barefoot.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Freedom of movement and awareness of your own body.
- Flexibility, strength and control, especially in the core and legs.
- Expression: showing a feeling or telling a story through movement.
- Skills for going down to the floor and coming up safely, which help in any dance.
- A calm, focused break from a busy day.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- Bare feet, or socks or half-soles that cover the ball of the foot, if the teacher or the floor calls for them.
- Comfortable clothes that cover the knees and elbows — long trousers and a top with sleeves make floor work easier.
- Knee pads are useful, especially at first.
- Water. The studio has the hall and a floor suited to dancing barefoot.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes.
- A warm-up with breathing, rolling through the spine, work on the floor and stretching.
- Technique: swings, spirals, falls and recoveries, jumps and travelling across the room.
- Improvisation tasks, such as moving from one part of the body or sharing weight with a partner.
- A combination to music, often slow and emotional, danced several times.
- Studios run beginners’ and open levels. A first class focuses on the basics: how to use your weight, how to fall softly and how to get up.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Adults who want dance that feels thoughtful and expressive, not only a set of steps.
- Dancers from Ballet, Jazz dance or street styles who want a new range of movement.
- People who like to improvise and find their own way of moving.
- Beginners: many studios run groups for people with no dance background.
- It is less suited to anybody who wants a fixed routine or does not like working on the floor. With knee, wrist or back problems, ask your doctor and tell the teacher before the class.