Contemporary dance is a term usually referring to the 20th century concert dance that combines elements of modern dance and classical ballet. It does not refuse classical ballet's leg technique in favor of modern dance's stress on the torso, while it also employs contact-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation characteristic of modern dance. Unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction are often used, as well.
It can use elements from non-western dance cultures, for example, elements from African dance such as bent knees, or elements from the Japanese contemporary dance Butoh.
Read more about Contemporary Dance: History, Cunningham's Key Ideas, Choreographer's Role, Dance Technique
Famous quotes containing the words contemporary and/or dance:
“Men are so charmed with valor that they have pleased themselves with being called lions, leopards, eagles and dragons, from the animals contemporary with us in the geologic formations.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“At the extreme north, the voyagers are obliged to dance and act plays for employment.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)