COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

POLANGUI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Alnay Polangui, Albay

MODERN DANCE

Barbie Angeline A. Romero

BPA-2B

Vilma Nidua
PATHFIT 4- Instructor
 THE MODERN DANCE

Modern dance, a revolutionary departure from the constraints of classical ballet, emerged during
the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a dynamic expression of artistic freedom and individuality.
Pioneering figures such as Isadora Duncan and Loie Fuller spearheaded this movement, rejecting
conventional ballet conventions in favor of a more liberated and expressive approach to movement.
Duncan, drawing inspiration from the aesthetic principles of ancient Greece, integrated flowing tunics
and organic movements into her choreography, symbolizing her profound belief in the
interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. Conversely, Fuller experimented with innovative
theatrical lighting techniques and billowing fabrics, crafting visually stunning performances that
transcended the boundaries between dance and visual art.
This groundbreaking form of dance sought to encapsulate the multifaceted human experience,
addressing societal and cultural themes alongside personal narratives. The early 20th century witnessed
the emergence of notable modern dance luminaries such as Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, and
Hanya Holm, who further propelled the evolution of the genre. Graham, revered as the "mother of
modern dance," pioneered a technique centered on muscular contraction and release, enabling a
profound exploration of emotional depth and complexity. Humphrey, in collaboration with Charles
Weidman, delved into the dynamics of gravity and human resilience through their focus on fall and
recovery movements. Holm, hailing from Germany, infused modern dance with a playful theatricality,
emphasizing spatial awareness and group dynamics in her choreographic endeavors.
These trailblazing innovators not only expanded the vocabulary and techniques of modern dance
but also solidified its status as a distinctive and influential art form. Their enduring contributions
continue to inspire and captivate audiences, shaping the trajectory of contemporary dance to this day.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
 Adagio: slow and sustained movement. (from ballet terminology)
 Alignment: is how different parts of the body (limbs, torso, head) are positioned relative to each
other.
 Ball change: A quick change of weight from one foot to the other while remaining on the balls
of the feet.
 Breath: How inhalation and exhalation are used to influence movement and expression.
 Canon: Dancers performing the same movement phrase at slightly different times.
 Center: The core of the body, engaged for stability and power.
 Choreography: The creation and organization of dance steps and movements.
 Cinémathèque: A collection of dance films and videos.
 Contact improvisation: Exploring movement through physical contact with other dancers.
 Counterbalance: Balancing weight on one side of the body with another for stability.
 Counterpoint: Dancers performing contrasting movements simultaneously.
 Détourné: A turn with a hop and a change of direction.
 Dynamics: The variation in energy, force, and speed used in movement. (e.g., sudden bursts,
slow and sustained movements)
 Extension: Straightening a limb at a joint
 Fall and recovery: Controlled descent to the floor with a smooth return to standing.
 Flexion: Bending a limb at a joint.
 Floor plane: The level of the dance floor used for movement.
 Floorwork: Movement performed on the floor.
 Flow: The smooth, connected quality of movement
 Grand jeté: A large, leaping jump with legs split in mid-air.
 Improvisation: Creating spontaneous movement in response to music or stimuli.
 Impulse: The initiation of movement with a burst of energy.
 Isolation: Moving one body part independently from the others.
 Laban movement analysis: A system for analyzing and describing movement.
 Labanotation: A system for recording dance notation.
 Levels: Utilizing different heights in space (high, medium, low)
 Minimalism: A dance style emphasizing simplicity and repetition.
 Momentum: The force that keeps a body moving.
 Narrative: A dance that tells a story.
 Negative space: The space around and between the dancers.
 Opposition: Creating tension between opposing body parts for dynamic movement.
 Pas de chat: A series of hopping steps with the feet changing in front and behind each other.
 Pas de deux: A duet for two dancers.
 Path: The direction and shape a dancer traces through space.
 Performance: The presentation of a dance for an audience.
 Phrasing: Coordinating movement with the musical phrasing.
 Pirouette: A turn on one leg with the other foot held in retiré (pulled up) or coupé (brushed to
the side).
 Plié: Bending the knees while keeping the heels flat on the floor.
  Port de bras: Carriage of the arms, used for expression and balance.
 Port de corps: Carriage of the body, often incorporating torso movement.
 Postmodern dance: A movement that challenged traditional dance forms and embraced
experimentation.
 Promenade turn: A slow turn on one leg while walking in a circle.
 Recovery: Returning to a starting position after a movement.
 Release technique: A style of modern dance that emphasizes release of tension and exploration
of movement possibilities.
 Release: Letting go of unnecessary tension in the body.
 Relevé soutenu: Sustained balance on the balls of the feet.
 Relevé: Rising onto the balls of the feet from a plié.
 Repetition: Repeating a movement or sequence.
 Rhythm: The timing and pattern of movement.
 Sauté: A jump with both feet leaving the ground and landing together.
 Sissonne: A jump with one leg leading and landing on the other.
 Spatial awareness: Being mindful of the surrounding space and other dancers.
 Spotting: Focusing on a fixed point to maintain balance during turns.
 Staccato: Short, sharp movements
 Sustained: Movement held for a longer duration.
 Tempo: The speed of the movement.
 Transition: Moving smoothly between different movements.
 Turnout: Rotating the legs at the hips to externally rotate the feet.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN DANCE

 Collaboration: Modern dance choreography is often a collaborative effort. Choreographers may
work with dancers, musicians, and other artists to create a piece.
 Costumes: Modern dance costumes tend to be more relaxed and functional than the tutus and
tights of ballet. Dancers often wear loose-fitting clothing that allows for freedom of movement.
 Expression over technique:Unlike ballet, which emphasizes following a set of structured steps,
modern dance prioritizes the expression of emotions and ideas.
 Floor work: In contrast to ballet where dancers strive to stay light on their feet, modern dance
incorporates a lot of floor work. This can include rolling, lunging, and even deliberate falls.
 Innovation and improvisation: Modern dance encourages dancers to be innovative and create
their own movements. Improvisation is a common practice, allowing dancers to explore their
creativity and express themselves freely.
 Musicality: While modern dance can be performed without music, it often uses a wide variety of
musical styles or even no music at all. The focus is on how the movement itself creates its own
rhythm and emotional impact.
 Nudity and Provocation: While not always the case, some modern dance pieces incorporate
nudity or provocative themes to push boundaries and make social statements.
  Rejection of ballet limitations: Modern dance emerged as a rebellion against the rigid rules and
limitations of classical ballet. Modern dancers explore movement beyond the traditional ballet
posture and explore using gravity to their advantage.
 Social and Political Commentary: Modern dance can be a powerful tool for social and political
commentary. Choreographers may use their work to address issues of war, poverty, racism, or
other social problems.
 Variety of styles: Modern dance is not a single style, but rather a broad term encompassing
many different approaches to movement. Some of the most well-known modern dance
techniques include Graham, Limon, Horton, and Cunningham.

OTHER FORMS OF MODERN DANCE

 Contemporary dance:This is an ever-evolving form of dance that emerged in the mid-20th
century. It draws on elements of modern dance, ballet, and other dance genres. Contemporary
dance is known for its focus on individuality, improvisation, and storytelling.
 Graham technique:Developed by Martha Graham, this influential technique emphasizes sharp
contractions, extensions, and lunges. It's known for its powerful and emotional expression.
 Horton technique:Created by Lester Horton, this technique focuses on using the entire body in
a dynamic and expressive way. It incorporates elements of ethnic dance forms, ballet, and
acrobatics.
 Limón technique:Developed by José Limón, this technique is known for its focus on fall and
recovery, creating a sense of weight and lyricism in the movement.
 Humphrey-Limón technique:This technique, created by Doris Humphrey and José Limón,
emphasizes the use of breath and phrasing to create a sense of flow and connection to the ground.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MODERN DANCE

Physical Benefits

 Improved Fitness: Modern dance is a great cardiovascular workout, increasing your heart rate
and getting your blood pumping. This can lead to better endurance, weight management, and
stronger bones.
 Enhanced Flexibility and Strength: The varied movements in modern dance stretch and
strengthen your muscles, improving your overall flexibility and range of motion. This can help
prevent injuries and improve your posture.
 Increased Coordination and Balance: Mastering modern dance routines requires good
coordination and balance. As you practice, you'll find yourself becoming more agile and sure-
footed.
Mental and Emotional Benefits:

 Stress Reduction: Dancing is a fantastic way to relieve stress and tension. The physical activity
and focus required during a class can help clear your mind and improve your mood.
 Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem: Learning new dance moves and mastering routines can
give you a great sense of accomplishment, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem.
 Greater Body Awareness: Modern dance helps you connect with your body and become more
aware of your movements. This can be beneficial for both physical and emotional well-being.
 Social Connection: Many modern dance classes provide a social outlet, allowing you to meet
new people and build friendships with those who share your passion for dance

REFERENCES

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_dance
 https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/01_BFAHandbook_Main.-FINAL-9-28-
18.pdf
 https://www.alaskadancetheatre.org/post/modern-dance-how-it-benefits-your-dancer
 https://marquee.tv/article/a-brief-history-of-contemporary-dance
 https://www.thebalancemoney.com/career-planning-6265513