Modern Dance

Ballet is a formal form of dance which came not from the United States but from Russia and France. The
term ballet related to the Italian word balleto, a variation of the word ballo, meaning “dance.” It can also be attributed
to the Latin ballere which means “to dance.” Russia and France pioneered ballet dance as public entertainment, and it
spread troughout Europe.

Ballet’s art expressions rely on its precise and highly formalized set of steps and gestures. With light, graceful, and
fluid movements, ballet dancers perform en pointe (on toe) on dancing area. The en pointe dance style became popular
during the early 19th century, and it was reserved only for women during that time. Women dancers wore an all-white
dress and white, black, or pink pointed shoes. They also wore leotard, tights, and a bell wrap skirt. This classical style of
ballet, however, leaves little room for creative expression because of its rigid and premeditated style of movements.

Modern Dance

Modern dance sprang as protest to the rigid and structured steps of ballet.

The rigid and premeditated style of ballet made some dancers of the 19th century to rebel and experiment on a
new style that is more loose and flexible. The result of this experimentation was the birth or modern dance in the late
19th century. It eventually flourished in the early 20th century.

Another influences of early modern dancers is the system called eurhythmics, which was developed by Swiss
music educator Emile Jacques-Dalcroze.

Eurhythmics is a system for teaching musical rhythm through body movement.

Dance Elements in Modern Dance

According to Minneapolis Public Schools, there are five elements of dance, and these elements are the bases in
understanding dance as an art form. Understanding these elements will also help you describe the movements of any
dance that you will witness. These elements are body, actions, space, time, energy or BASTY.

Body is the first element of dance. If dance is an art form, then the body is the instrument used by the artist. In
using his or her body, the dancer may be relatively still or constantly moving throughout the performance. In modern
dance, the dancer usually starts his or her movement from the middle of the body, using the abdomen muscles to bend
or make a round shape at the center of the torso while sitting. Moreover, a dancer deliberately changes his or her body’s
shape or size and extends his or her limbs depending on the mood and emotion be or she want to express.

Further, the use of the whole body is often a preference in modern dance. Integration of movement is important
such that every single movement involves the entire body. For instance, upward movements of the arms may involve
the downward movements of the legs. Integrated movements of arms, legs, spine, and torso create beautiful steps in
modern dance.

Action is the next dance element. Actions are the movement that the body performs. It is the modern dancer’s
actions that make modern dance distinct from ballet. For instance, modern dance makes deliberate use of gravity, as
opposed to classical ballet’s light, floating, and airy movement on feet. Ballet creates an illusion of freedom from gravity
by effortlessly jumping and soaring through the air. Modern dance is different because it utilizes body weight to enhance
movements. Hence, it is common for modern dancers to deliberately fall to the floor and to bend and not remain
upright-movements that are the extract opposite of the erect posture and turned-out position of ballet dancers.

Space is the third element of dance. Space refers to the area where the dancer performs. It describes how he or
she maximizes the use of space---to stay in one place or move constantly to another. Space offers variation to the
movements of the dancer. Modern dancers usually assume a multidimensional orientation, thus making use of all
dimension of space. Most of the time, they turn their backs to the audience or stand sideways, both of which are
gestures that ballet dancers do not usually do as the basic orientation of the latter is to face the audience.
 Time, the fourth element of dance, is when movements are done in a performance. It is important to observe
proper timing in every movement, which is commonly in accordance to the rhythm of the music or is synchronized with
the actions of the other dancers. In modern dance, there is a parallelism between the rhythm of the music and the
momentum and impulses, but it is not always the case; sometimes, the dance is choreographed before the music to
underscore the impulse of the dance movement. Dance momentum may also run counter to the rhythm. There are
times when music is absent in modern dance; in effect the sounds of the dancers’ movement become the music. In this
case, timing becomes even more important to better highlight the moods and emotions being expressed in every
movement.

Energy is the last element of dance. It refers to the force of an action that brings character to the movement. In
modern dance, energy can be shown in the variation of movements. Step, for example, can be light or heavy, powerful
or gentle. There is also the concept of countertension, which refers to giving equal energy to two opposing body parts.
For instance, extending your right leg backward and your left arm forward makes use of countertension. Such movement
demonstrates a powerful and energetic connection between your legs and arms. Countertension also happens when
two dancers hold hands and then pull away with equal force without letting go.

Basic Modern Dance Steps

Modern dance is an emotion-driven genre; thus, the steps in modern dance vary from one dancer to another.
Modern dancers are advised to be observant and creative because what they can see in many other dances or in the
natural movements in their surrounding can be adapted in modern dance.

The following are some of the most common modern dance moves that you can learn according to Tamara Warta of
http:dance.lovetoknow.com (last accessed on 16 September 2016).

1. Curl Down and Up

Put your arms at your side and look downward. Slowly, curl your spine over. Be careful not to collapse. Before you go
down the floor as you curl, bend your knees. As you reach your lowest, stop, and then go back upward slowly until you
are back to your first position.

2. Leg Swings

After doing the Curl Down and Up, do the second position of jazz. Slowly slide your right leg forward en pointe until you
go back to first position. Then brush the same toe backward while slightly bending the knee of your left leg.

3. Flat-Back

Position with your feet parallel and hip distance apart. Bend over and keep your spine as straight as possible, then raise
your arms with your palms facing each other. In a single fluid movement, raise back up with your arms.

4. Tendu

Stand with your feet parallel to each other. Then have one foot point forward then back to parallel position. Do this
again, with your foot moving to the side then back to parallel position. On the third time, move your foot backward,then
back to parallel position.
5. Chasses

A gliding step in dancing in which one foot displaces the other. One of a series of gliding steps in ballet in
which in the same foot always leads, three consecutive dance steps, two fast and one slow, to four
beats of music.

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The Emergence of Contemporary Dance

 The third period of development of modern dance happened after the Second World War in 1945. By this time,
modern dance had emerged as contemporary dance. Contemporary dance integrated the techniques and styles from
social dance, ballet, and modern dance. Among the contemporary dancers of this time were Americas Merce
Cunningham, James Waring, Twyla Tharp, Alwin Nikolas, Paul Taylor and Alvin Ailey. Their revolutionary thinking
changed the style of modern dance as they tackled unique expressions as the relationship of the present time to
abstract space, humorous juxtapositions of movements, and parodies of dance styles of different performers. Some of
them even jumped into the extreme limit of what was acceptable dance style.

By the mid- 1980s, modern dancers were no longer interested with traditional techniques as they relied more on
theatrical elements and the use of literacy and pictorial devices on their dance styles. For instance, Karole Armitage’s
dances are characterized by stabbing, insect-like motions, and savage confrontations. There was also the buto of the
Japanese dancers group Sankai Juku. Buto is a form of dance-theater that avoids structured choreography. It strives to
express primitive emotions by making minimal use of costumes and actual movement.

Steps in Contemporary Dance

Contemporary dance, just like modern dance, is emotionally-driven. Thus, it is typical for contemporary dancers
to experiment in their dance steps based on how they feel and according to the message that they want to convey.
Contemporary dance, however, is also characterized by flowing movements mixed with quick and exaggerated steps.
The choreography is also normally edgy in its story telling.

Safety Protocols in Performing Modern and Contemporary Dance

As mentioned in the previous module, safety protocols are important to secure safety in your performances. The
first thing that you should always remember is to stretching, warm-up, and posture exercise before your dance practice
and actual performance.

1. Prepare your body before any dancing activity. You must warm up first before you engage in any dancing session to
prepare your muscles and bones. Warm up exercises include light exercises and stretching.

2. Fuel your body with enough food and water.

3. Rest well and have enough sleep before a dancing session.

4. Wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes.

5. Follow the instruction of your trainers or instructors.

6. Be aware about the location of the clinic and emergency outposts in case of injury.

7. Alert the trainer immediately if you encounter any problems or if you have concerns.

Performing Modern and Contemporary Dance

The basis locomotor skills will come in handy when you perform modern and contemporary dance. After learning
about some common steps in modern and contemporary dance, explore the steps, directions, and rhythm using a
combination of the simple locomotor skills.

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Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dance is a type of social dance (a dance form where sociability or socializing is the primary focus of
performance) that is performed by couples who follow synchronized and prescribed steps.
This type of dance originated in Europe and the United State of America. As a social dance, ballroom dancing
demonstrates synchronized movements of the dancing couple as if the happiness of the other is very much important to
his or her partner.

The Development of Ballroom Dance

The origin of ballroom dancing can be traced back to the European court dances-dances performed in front of the
royal courts in Europe, with the upper class royal blood members as audience-of the 17 th and 18th century. Performers of
court dances were highly trained to give formal entertainment.

By the late 19th century, the structure of ballroom dance events and styles significantly changed. There were still
organized invitational events, but lengthy dance sets were organized with alternating round and German dance
called cotillion, a series of short dance segments that resembles social behavior where couples present each other
souvenirs.

Moreover, professional associations were formed, thereby paving the way for the establishment of steps,
patterns and musicality as taught by professional dancers.

By the earl 20th century, the public at large already had access to such materials, essentially allowing anyone to
learn about dance.

Types of Ballroom Dance

As a partner dance, ballroom has a variety of dance styles. The long history of this dance has brought diverse
styles that couple dancers can choose from for a spectacular performance. Here are the common ballroom dances
according to http://dance.about.com

1. Waltz is one of the oldest and smoothest ballroom dance styles. It is characterized by “rise and fall” movements in
progressive, long, flowing, continuous turns. Waltz shows the dancers smoothly gliding on the floor.

2. Viennese Waltz is a dance characterized by simple and elegant rational movements with a subtle rise and fall.

3. Cha-cha is a dance style that expresses the passion and energy of the dancers through flirtatious gestures. The cha-
cha is one of the liveliest dance steps in ballroom. Basic steps include synchronized movements of the dancers while
maintaining alignment.

4. Foxtrot is a dance style that shows basic walking and side steps with a combination of slow and quick steps in one and
two music beats, respectively.

5. Quickstep is essentially the quicker, swifter version of the foxtrot. When you master foxtrot, you will surely master
the quickstep as well.

6. Rumba is a romantic and sensual Latin dance that demonstrate a story of love and passion. It has a variety of sexy
dance steps, making it as one of the sexiest of the ballroom dances.

7. Tango is an intimate, sensual dance that express elements of romance between the dancers shown by their
synchronized movements.

8. Samba is a type of ballroom dance that came from Brazil and has a variety of styles partnered with an assortment of
Samba music. While it is usually performed with a partner, it can also be danced in solo.

9. Paso doble is a dance modeled after the Spanish bullfight. It originated from southern France.

10. Mambo is an emotional Latin American dance characterized by swaying movements with sensual facial expression
and arm motions.
11. Lindy hop is a swing dance characterized by its unique athletic style- aerial jumps, twist, and flips. Swing dances are a
type of social dance with lots of lifting, spinning, and flipping.

12. Jive is another form of swing dance characterized by lively movements. It originated from the United States.

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Basic Position in Ballroom Dancing

There are nine basic position in ballroom dancing as explained in dance.about.com

Try practicing the following:

1. One hand position

2. Two had position
3. Outside right position
4. Outside left position
5. Promenade position
6. Shadow position
7. Skater’s position
8. Fallaway position
9. Challenge position

The Worlds of Ballroom Dancing:

1. Social Dance- ballroom dance is performed only for your partner. You do the steps to both enjoy. Hence, social dance
is recreational in nature. The spontaneity of the steps happens because you want your partner to have fun.

2. Competitive Ballroom- on the other hand, is performed in front of judges who have their own expectations about the
performance. Usually, they watch to see the details of the steps, looking for correctness, accuracy, and preciseness.

3. Exhibition Ballroom- is done not because there are judges to impress, but to give entertainment to the audience.
Movements and steps are performed to entertain the audience and to gain their appreciation.

Basic Position in Ballroom Dancing

There are nine basic position in ballroom dancing as explained in dance.about.com

Try practicing the following:

1. One hand position

2. Two had position
3. Outside right position
4. Outside left position
5. Promenade position
6. Shadow position
7. Skater’s position
8. Fallaway position
9. Challenge position