Dynamics of Contemporary Dance

I’m passionate about a lot of things: books, the environment, and the culinary arts. Another passion I have is dancing. I love to watch well choreographed dance presentations and also love to be a part of them. I actually choreographed a dance group back in college and it was so much fun dancing on stage to trending songs then like Kirk Franklin’s “Stomp” and “Revolution”. We became so famous for our unique dance steps that we were invited to almost every Christian program on campus. I still dance especially when I hear good Christian hip hop vibes, and thanks to rap stars in the Christian community who write, rap and sing lyrics that you move your body to without guilt or condemnation. Anyway, this week we are going to be looking at contemporary dance. Now, contemporary dance is modern dance which has been a gradual departure over the centuries from the traditional and ballet dance but draws inspiration from them. This is a free style type of dance which uses body movement not bound by a set standard. This entails the creation and innovation of new approaches to body movements and dance steps away from the older generation of dancers. First of all, it involves individual style and creativity which are two very important features. Individual style in contemporary dance allows personal expressions, actions or performance. Every dancer is individualistic in his or her approach in showing quality, action and character. This means the individual dancer or dancers express unique body movements and dance steps in their own rhythmic style. There is a pattern of movement expressed. Secondly, creativity is the bedrock of contemporary dance. New dance steps can be created from an idea, music or any work of art. Here, dance steps are seen to go with intelligence and creativity-which is the act of generating new ideas and inventions. New body movements are created and mastered, and these are inspired by early or traditional dance forms. Thirdly, we have the dynamics. Contemporary dance doesn’t have fixed or rigid movements. Body movements vary as dancers move rhythmically to music. Finally, contemporary dance techniques are about enhancing self awareness from which movement is executed. Rather than just following physical exercises, for they educate the senses, mind and body. Contemporary dance features force, body aesthetics and acrobatic skills and display.
Dance performance is based on the dancers’ own interpretation derived from their inner feelings and emotions which determine and design the steps and routines they move their bodies to. However, the body movement must be in rhythm with the music or beat being played. Therefore, dance and music or rhythmic beats must go together.