Ballet, Modern & Contemporary Dance Styles

What is Modern Dance? Modern dance is a dance form developed in the early 20th century. Although the term Modern dance has also been applied to a category of 20th Century ballroom dances, Modern dance as a term usually refers to 20th century concert dance.

What is Modern Dance ? (continued) Born in the early 20th century, modern dance is a dance style that focuses on a dancer's own interpretations instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. Modern dancers reject the limitations of classical ballet and favor movements derived from the expression of their inner feelings. During the 1900's, European dancers began rebelling against the rigid rules of classical ballet. Turning against the structured techniques, costumes and shoes of ballet, these dancers favored a more relaxed, free style of dancing. Modern dance pioneers often danced in bare feet and revealing costumes.

Characteristics of Modern Dance Modern dance encourages dancers to use their emotions and moods to design their own steps and routines. It is not unusual for dancers to invent new steps for their routines, instead of following a structured code of technique, as in ballet. Another characteristic of modern dance in opposition to ballet is the deliberate use of gravity. Whereas classical ballet dancers strive to be light and airy on their feet, modern dancers often use their body weight to enhance movement. This type of dancer rejects the classical ballet stance of an upright, erect body, often opting instead for deliberate falls to the floor.

Modern Dance Today Modern dance has become a huge genre in the dance world today. You will most likely see modern dance listed as a class offered on the schedules of most dance studios. Some dancers feel that modern dance gives them a chance to enjoy ballet dancing without the strict focus on their technique and turnout. Many dance competitions throughout the nation judge dancers on their modern dancing ability. Modern dancers use dancing to express their innermost emotions, often to get closer to their inner-selves. Before attempting to choreograph a routine, the modern dancer decides which emotions to try to convey to the audience. Many modern dancers choose a subject near and dear to their hearts, such as a lost love or a personal failure. The dancer will choose music that relates to the story they wish to tell, or choose to use no music at all, and then choose a costume to reflect their chosen emotions. Watching a modern dancer can sometimes become emotional, especially if the dancer is trying to convey a series of sad emotions, such as death or grief.

What is Contemporary Dance? Contemporary dance, simply, can be thought of as a combination of ballet and modern dance techniques. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floorwork, 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.

What is Ballet? Ballet is a specific academic dance form and technique which is taught in ballet schools according to specific methods…. Ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques, such as pointe work and high extensions; its graceful, precise movements; and its ethereal qualities.

Ballet dance originated in 16th and 17th century French courts, and was further developed in England, Italy, and Russia as a concert dance form. Early ballet dance performances were presented in large chambers with most of the audience seated on tiers on three sides of the dance floor.

The Importance of Stretching… All ballet dancers must be flexible. To achieve maximum flexibility, be sure to stretch every single day. In a ballet class, dancers are led through a series of stretches at the barre. Stretches… Place leg on barre Stretching will increase your flexibility, allowing you to obtain your maximum turnout . Begin by placing one leg up onto the barre. Keep your supporting leg straight and don't allow your hips to rotate out. Lengthen your back and point your toes.

Stretches continued… 2. Bend Forward Bend forward as far as possible, keeping both legs straight. You will feel a stretch through the back of your legs. 3. Bend Backward Holding your arm in a curve above your head, slowly allow your body to stretch backward. Bend your shoulders and upper back first, then let your lower back take over the movement. Bend as far as you can without forcing the stretch, and don't allow your hips to push forward.

The Importance of pointed toes… Beautifully pointed feet are a goal of all ballet dancers. The secret to obtaining a great point lies in the instep of your foot, the top part between your ankle and your toes. A beautiful point has an exaggerated instep...it sticks up high when your foot is pointed. Some dancers are blessed with the ability to point their feet correctly without much effort. Dancers with longer feet or thinner ankles appear to have prettier pointed feet.

Ballet Positions… One of the first things you should learn in ballet are the five basic foot positions. The five basic positions of the feet in ballet are the foundation of every other step in classical ballet. The basic positions relate to the proper placement of the feet on the floor. Every movement and pose in ballet begins and ends with one of the five basic positions.

Why are there 5 ballet positions? The five basic positions of the feet in ballet are the foundation of every other step in classical ballet. The basic positions relate to the proper placement of the feet on the floor. Every movement and pose in ballet begins and ends with one of the five basic positions. Pierre Beauchamp, French dancer, choreographer and ballet master, is credited with inventing the five positions of classical ballet. He believed by mastering the foot positions, dancers would be better able to perfect more advanced steps with ideal form and technique. Watch the video below for the five classical ballet positions: Learn The 5 Basic Positions

Ballet Positions (feet )… First Position In first position, the balls of the feet are turned out completely. The heels touch each other and the feet face outward, trying to form a straight line.

Ballet Positions (feet)… 2. Second Position The balls of both feet are turned out completely, with the heels separated by the length of one foot. Similar to first position, but the feet are spread apart.

Ballet Positions (feet)… 3. Third Position One foot is in front of the other with the of the front foot touching the middle of the back foot.

Ballet Positions (feet)… 4. Fourth Position The feet are placed the same as third position, but one step apart.

Ballet Positions (feet)… 5. Fifth Position With both feet touching, the toes of each foot reaches the heel of the other.

Ballet Arm Positions… Every ballet step originates from one of the five basic feet positions of ballet. There are also five basic positions of the arms in ballet. (Both the names and actual positions vary based on method.) Look into a mirror and practice the basic arm positions. Be sure to stretch your arms and keep your shoulders down. Every ballet step originates from one of the five basic feet positions of ballet. There are also five basic positions of the arms in ballet. (Both the names and actual positions vary based on method. The positions shown here illustrate the French Method.) Practice these positions, as they form the basis for all of ballet dancing. The preparatory position, or premiere en bas, is not considered one of the basic arm positions of ballet, but it is used often and worthy of noting. Click below to learn all 5 basic ballet arm Positions: Basic Ballet Arm Positions If link above does not work, go here: Ballet Arm Positions

Write the name of each Ballet Arm Position below each image- Write your answers on your worksheet/checkpoint. 5 2 4 1 3

Practice Identify differences Quiz…. For the next few slides, Decide if each picture shown is a form of Modern, Contemporary, or Ballet Dance. Write your answers 1-6 on your worksheet/checkpoint.

1. Modern, Contemporary or Ballet?

2. Modern, Contemporary or Ballet?

3. Modern, Contemporary or Ballet?

4. Modern, Contemporary or Ballet?

5. Modern, Contemporary or Ballet?

6. Modern, Contemporary or Ballet?

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