4 Modern Dance
Learning Objectives
- Explain the similarities and differences between ballet and modern dance
- Identify key techniques and prominent figures in modern dance history
- Understand the history of Western performance dance and summarize major events in the course of its development
Dance is the hidden language of the soul.
—Martha Graham
What Is Modern Dance?
In the early twentieth century, choreographers broke away from the strict traditions of ballet to develop dance as varied and rich as the American melting pot. Choreographers drew upon the styles of many cultures to create a new dance form as diverse as the citizens and expressive of the independence of the American spirit. Black dancers and choreographers explored their African and Caribbean roots and shaped their own form of expressive modern dance. Others sought new movement to depict the human condition. Inevitably, dances were shared, merged, and reimagined. No matter the case, early pioneers of modern dance explored new ways to express themselves in more natural and free form while conveying the spirit of their times.
Modern Dance Characteristics
Modern dance technique is unlike ballet’s codified set of movements used worldwide. Modern dance styles are individualized and, for the most part, named after the person who developed them; for instance, José Limón created Limón Technique. Although modern dance techniques vary, movement concepts are embedded throughout techniques, sharing overarching principles. Let’s take a look at the movement concepts in modern dance.
Dynamic Alignment and Flexibility
All dancers use dynamic alignment. However, in modern dance, emphasis is given to the core along with the pelvis, which is the center from which all movement originates. The core keeps the dancer grounded and stable. Modern dancers also use free or unrestrained movements of the torso that allow for flexibility in all directions.
Watch This
Graham Technique with dancers demonstrating contractions. The torso is in a concave shape created by the core contracting (abdominals); as a result, the pelvis “tucks under,” and the chest reacts by rounding forward.
Gravity
In modern dance, gravity is accepted; it acts in a partnership with the body, utilizing the dancer’s weight paired with momentum.
Watch This
An example of the Limón Technique called fall and recovery that uses the body’s weight with momentum to surrender into gravity. The dancer is demonstrating arm swings, known as release swings. In this action, the dancer begins with the body in a vertical position and the arms swing in any direction. The dancer allows the momentum from the swing to propel the body in the direction of the arm, giving in to gravity.
The Tanz Theater Münster company dancers interact with the floor. They can quickly move between floor work and standing movement.
Breath
The use of breath is a prominent component of modern dance. Dancers do not always attempt to hide their breathing. The inhalation and expirat