The Origins Of Contemporary Dance

Modern dancing is frequently seen as the “arty” and “fashionable” branch of dance, however, this is simply because most people do not truly fully grasp precisely why and when contemporary dance came into being. It is currently regularly taught along side of performing arts and theater studies as the expression and power to connect with viewers is a strong and potent possibility for ambitious dancers and thespians taught at places like drama schools in London and Paris.

In the early parts of last century artists had been searching to expand approaches of expressing themselves and the conventional and formal old approaches of carrying out things weren’t satisfying those who wanted something different.

In ballet, facial expressions and the expression of emotions are portrayed by means of steps that have already been performed a thousand times before. Although ballet was, and continues to be, extremely attractive, to remain within this world offers no way for a dancer to openly express themselves.

Modern day dance is a direct attack on the restrictions of this kind of dance. It became more extensively recognized in the early 20th century perhaps as a response to the turmoil that the world was experiencing.

Modern dance takes the grace of ballet and adds the freedom of feeling. This is meant to let the audience to empathise with the emotion of the part with much more ease than classic dance.

There were three leading women that have been accredited with the success of modern dance as we know it these days. These women are:

Mary Wigman.  Originally from Germany, Mary instructed in educational institutions during the second world war, renowned for her use of masks and ended her career teaching in the United States Of America.

Ruth St. Denis, who created one of the first dance departments in an American college or university.  Heavily inspired by spirituality she brought the ‘solo’ to the forefront of dance.

Most importantly, Isadora Duncan, considered the creator of the modern dance movement.  Born in the USA she wedded a Russian man and danced globally.  Rejecting traditional dance steps in favor of improvisation, Isadora inspired artists all through the early 20th century.  Apathetic to the commercial use of dancing she devoted herself to teaching young women in the art of dance, founding schools in Germany, Russia and the United States.  Killed in a terrible mishap related to her love of showy, flowing scarves.  Isadora Duncan’s contribution to modern dance cannot be overestimated.

These Three women were at the forefront of those performers who wanted anything new as well as exciting.

Contemporary dance has grown to be progressively well-known as it offers endless possibilities. Modern dance has crept into the movies and Broadway most notably from the 1950s. The explanation of why modern dance has become so popular is because of the energy and vitality it can express.

One of the most influential choreographers is Bob Fosse. This is mainly because he included modern dance with energetic Broadway performances such as Cabaret.  Receiving an Oscar, a Tony and an Emmy, Bob brought advanced dance and choreography to modern society as a whole.  His semi-autobiographical movie, All That Jazz has become the standard against which all other serious dance movies are judged.

In just about any musical developed, whether on screen or stage, it is likely to have a strong core of modern dance to help get the message and the plot across.
Modern dance is an act of rebellion against ballet, but in spite of this, much of the form and positioning still appear like that of ballet. Modern dance will continue to evolve, unlike ballet, as it is open to an entire world of possibilities and taught at all major performing arts schools