1. Modern/Contemp Review

2. Characteristics
Contemporary dance tends to be intricate and physical, and the dancers change levels and directions quickly and seamlessly.
Contemporary dance may deal with abstract concepts, images, or emotional extremes.
Some contemporary choreography tells a story based on the words of a song, but other pieces have story lines known only to the dancers and their choreographer.

3. History
Contemporary emerged in the 1950’s out of the constraints of Classical Ballet.
A lady called Martha Graham decided to rebel against the rigid style of Ballet and perform movement that was ‘freer’ and involved using the body and gravity.

4. Techniques
Cunningham - Cunningham uses the idea of the body's own "line of energy" to promote easy, natural movement.
Graham - Graham technique is characterised by floorwork and the use of abdominal and pelvic contractions. The style is very grounded and the technique visibly contrary to the sylphlike, airborne ideals of ballet.
Limon - Limon technique uses the feeling of weight and "heavy energy" in the body, and movement is instigated using breath to lift, and swings through the body to create and halt movement. It also feels very nice to perform!
Release - Release technique, we release through the joints and muscles to create ease of movement, releasing the breath to aid the release of the body. A great relaxation technique as well as a dance style.
Improvisation - Improvisation focuses on the investigation of movement and its relation to performance. Development of individual movement material is facilitated through a variety of creative explorations.

5. Terms To Know
Abstract Movement - a capturing of the essence or intrinsic aspect of a movement; has little literal or narrative meaning
Alignment - refers to the placement of body parts around a central axis of the body; body becomes vertical as possible and each section can be thought of as a building block "stacked up" one on top of the other; achieved by elongating the body as much as possible w/o pushing or pulling body parts into place
Breath - integral to the vitality of a dancer's movement; use of inhaling and exhaling breath allows the dancer to move with ease and gives life to individual movement
Fall - release of the body to the floor; falls are a signature characteristic of modern dance; side falls, back falls, spiral falls, slide falls among others; fall, rebound, and suspension often occur in sequence together

6. Continued
Flat Back - position in which the dancer keeps the back or spine extended form the tailbone through the back of the neck and head while bending forward from the crease in hip joint at a right angle (table top position); natural curves in the back should be maintained but lengthened
Force - amount of energy and tension used in performing movement; dance does not exist without the element of force; one of the three basic elements of dance; see Quality
High Release - in a standing position, the pelvis and ribcage maintain their alignment over each other and over the legs while the sternum is opened up to the ceiling; thus, the chest is open and the shoulder blades are contracted
Space - awareness of one's movement in relationship to others and one's place in a particular space (i.e. a particular stage or room)

7. Twist - turning of the spine around its central axis; image of the barber shop pole is helpful
Suspension - quality of movement that is a high point in the pendulum action of the swing of a body part of the entire body; the high point just before the body gives into the element of gravity; fall, rebound, and suspension often occur in sequence together
Transition - time between specific shapes in movement; skillful dance artist is sensitive to connecting movement with transitions
Weight Shift - shift of weight from one leg to the other; body weight can be distributed evenly on both legs or on one leg; important in dance to be able to shift weight quickly and effortlessly to insure efficient and artful movement

8. What You Need In Your Folder
HAS TO BE YELLOW! (or gray for tech 2)
Pencil Case
Observation Sheet
Alternative Assignment Sheet
Syllabus
Paper
Class Notes
Modern/Contemp Notes
Modern/Contemp Dance Term
General dance history class notes
Ballet history class notes
Ballet compare and contrast essay
Ballet dance terms