Modern dance emerged as a recognizable style during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its purpose was to step out of the strict technical styling of ballet, and embrace natural movement within the body. Instead, modern dance emphasized innovation and authenticity. This style utilizes gravity and weight as a tool to motivate the dancer’s movements. Rather than sticking to a set of predetermined shapes to hit in a specific way, modern dance encourages the use of improve and the invention of new movements, depending on the demands of the piece. In this way, modern dance produces innovation and authenticity.
Another key element of modern dance is the use of emotion as a performance tool. Using emotion within a performance aids the innovation and authenticity of a piece. Raw emotion, the implementation of natural body movements, and music choice, all play a role in shaping modern dance to be a unique dance form that pushes the bounds of what dance is and can be. Modern dance inspires me to create because of its ability to be different and abstract.
For more on modern dance, see Release Technique in Modern Dance.
Feature image: Photo by Eliot Tensen, Choreography by Amy Renee Shannon, Lighting designer Mandy Masmar
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