Modern Dance Styles

Dancing originated in early civilization as religious rituals and celebrations from as far back as 2500 years ago. Some cultures embraced the dance and believed it had supernatural powers which could influence both the gods and earthly behavior. They danced with a spiritual and truly emotional intent. Other early cultures associated it with immorality and dancing became an unwelcomed form of expression. Regardless the beginning years of dance evokes strong passion in all senses. In the 17th and 18th centuries dance in European countries had become more refined and precise. The ballet performed for an audience was intended to show great discipline and technique. Ballroom dance in the royal court was refined and practiced. These dances were sign of status and manners. In the 20th century, what we call modern dance has evolved from all these disciplines. It marries all the disciplines and technique with the emotion as passion of its early predecessors. With remnants of ethic, ritualistic and more traditional dances the main component is the evocation of deep feeling. Modern dance should inspire you to feel.
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CONTEMPORARY MODERN DANCE

Most of us may associate modern dance with a contemporary flow of movement danced in bare feet. This style represents the most common visual image we may envision called contemporary modern dance. If someone tells you they are a modern dancer, you should not be confusion other modern forms of dance.

Below is a beautiful example video showin the emotion, creativity and later on in the routine the technique.

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AFRICAN MODERN DANCE

Another modern form of dance is African dance which has more a primitive ritualistic feeling. Popularized by classes forming across the US and success of the lion king, strong artful dance moves are emotionally moved to African music.

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HIP HOP AND KRUMPING

Another modern form of dance unique to the United States would be hip hop and Krumping which evolved in more rural areas as an expression of music. Beginning with the hip hop and break dancing seen in movies and music videos 20 years ago, to the MTV pop movement in the 90’s to the street dance style Krumping with it’s aggressive style… even hip hop has seen many movements of its own. The following video is a great example of the strong movements of Krumping.

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MODERN DANCE PERFORMANCES

There are also modern forms of Broadway which take more traditional performance and make then unique or edgy. Beginning in popularity from the Cabaret and developing into a wide variety of stage performances most on-stage performances have a sense of old-school, retro dance move. Some however are wonderful examples of more modern styles by incorporating gymnastics and acrobatics of Cirque De Soliel or rhythmic Irish dancing of Lord of the Dance. Below is a beautiful example of Cirque Du Soliel with its gymnastic beauty.