What is Modern Dance?

Modern dance emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the structured and highly formal style of ballet. Pioneers like Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham wanted to break free from the rigid conventions of classical ballet.

They introduced a more expressive form of movement, focusing on emotions, freedom of expression, and natural movements.

Modern dance is often characterized by its grounded movements, use of the floor, and a focus on improvisation. The movements are typically more angular, less polished, and can be emotionally intense. There's also a strong emphasis on the body's ability to create shapes and tell a story. This style of dance focuses heavily on the use of gravity and often involves movements that feel raw and unrestrained.

What is Contemporary Dance?

Contemporary dance, which developed after modern dance, blends various styles and influences from different dance forms, including ballet, jazz, and even hip-hop. It's an umbrella term that covers a wide range of movements and techniques. While it still holds onto some of the principles of modern dance, it allows for more flexibility in terms of style and expression.

Unlike modern dance, contemporary dance is more eclectic and experimental. Dancers often use a mixture of movements that could involve both highly structured choreography and freeform improvisation. The performances tend to explore current themes and issues, and the physicality can vary widely—from fluid, lyrical movements to sharp, staccato actions. Contemporary dance doesn't stick to one particular set of rules but instead encourages creativity and innovation.

Key Differences: Structure vs. Freedom

1. Choreography and Technique:

Modern dance often focuses on specific choreographed pieces, relying on a set style or technique, like Martha Graham's contraction and release. Contemporary dance, however, tends to incorporate a broader range of techniques and styles. Dancers might move from classical ballet to more abstract movements in the same performance, making contemporary dance more versatile.

2. Formality and Structure:

Modern dance was all about breaking away from the formal structures of ballet, but it still follows some rules. In contrast, contemporary dance is more about pushing boundaries and playing with form, often using improvisation and experimenting with the space, time, and the dancers' bodies.

3. Expression and Themes:

Modern dance often focused on individual expression or telling a specific story—think of Martha Graham's “Appalachian Spring.” Contemporary dance is more likely to be abstract or focused on a societal issue, with a greater focus on emotion and mood. The subject matter can be anything from personal struggles to commentary on global issues.

Movement and Physicality

In modern dance, the focus is on how the body moves through space, often involving movements that are deep and weighted. It is about using the floor for support, with movements that feel heavy or even labored at times. Contemporary dance, however, is a bit more fluid. It still utilizes gravity and the floor, but the range of movement is broader—dancers can move from quick, sharp, and isolated movements to more fluid, expansive actions. Contemporary dancers are also more likely to integrate dance with other art forms, such as theater, video, or even spoken word.

Is One More Popular Than the Other?

In today's world, contemporary dance has gained more visibility due to its experimental nature and its ability to blend with other art forms. Many contemporary choreographers and dancers perform in theaters, dance festivals, and even incorporate multimedia into their performances. Modern dance, while still influential, has taken a step back in terms of mainstream popularity. However, its influence on contemporary dance remains undeniable. Many contemporary choreographers began their training in modern dance, and its principles still inform many of the movements and emotions found in contemporary works.

Why Does It Matter?

Both modern and contemporary dance have paved the way for a deeper understanding of the body's role in storytelling and expression. While modern dance provided a platform for rebellion against classical forms, contemporary dance continues that evolution by offering a space for creative freedom. By blending styles, exploring new technologies, and addressing modern-day issues, contemporary dance keeps evolving—making it more relevant than ever.

So, whether you enjoy the structured emotion of modern dance or the boundary-pushing creativity of contemporary, both offer rich experiences. They give us a glimpse into the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation, and how dance can express the complexities of the human experience.