Contemporary dance is a type of dance that is not limited to a set of specific techniques, thus encompassing a variety of genres, rhythms, forms and performances. For this reason, it is considered a abstract dance and constantly changing.
Contemporary dance developed in the mid-twentieth century (1950-1960), becoming popular in the 1980s. Its growing popularity is justified, in part, by the fact that this dance genre does not adhere to classical aesthetic standards.
The creative process, the concept and the idea to be conveyed by the choreography are the central points of contemporary dance. The dance is characterized by proposing intense choreographic innovations and experiments, which often mix rhythms like the ballet, jazz and hip hop.
Its freedom allows the dancer the autonomy to build their own choreographies, improvising, having contact with the ground or with another scenic character and the use of interactive costumes, for example.
In it are present from routine and everyday situations to controversial themes, serving as the basis for the conception of the concept of a choreography.
She also works with the insertion of other artistic elements into dance, such as video, photography, visual arts, and digital culture as a whole. These aspects allow a transformation of real movements into virtual ones and vice versa, modifying the perception of what is understood as movement.
Another important part of the creative process in contemporary dance is the human body. Its physiology and anatomy gain importance for choreography, as it allows the dancer to have a better awareness of their movements.
Learn more about the meaning of Dance.
Characteristics of contemporary dance
As seen, contemporary dance broke with patterns by fleeing from the traditional "formatting" of classical genres. In this way, it established itself as a unique and revolutionary artistic expression.
Its main features are:
- There are no predefined techniques;
- There are no limitations on movement, clothing or music;
- Appreciation of constant experimentation and innovation;
- Importance of transmitting the concept, idea and feeling that the choreography proposes;
- Valuing individual choreographic creation;
- Appreciation of improvisations;
- Mixing of other artistic elements to dance (video, photography, visual and digital arts, etc).
Below is an example of typical contemporary dance choreography that explores the use of clothing, accessories, scenography and other aspects in a unique and creative way:
Contemporary Dance in Brazil
In Brazil, contemporary dance began in the mid-40s, through the couple Klauss and Angel Vianna.
Klauss (1928–1992) was a pioneer in the research and development of the somatic technique, created for the purpose of provide the body awareness of its practitioners, working body and mind, in addition to maintaining their health.
She uses techniques that extend technical training in dance. He was also the first dancer to use the term “body expression” in Brazil.
