Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar, Philippines
Web: http://uep.edu.ph; Email: [email protected]

UEP SENIOR HIGH LABORATORY

SCHOOL

MODERN &
CONTEMPORARY
DANCE
NAME: ________________________________________________
STRAND & SECTION: ______________________

JOHN EDUARD C. ABANES, LPT

Subject Teacher

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

 OVERVIEW OF THE MODULE

This module discusses the differences of Modern and Contemporary

dance.

PURPOSE OF THE MODULE

This module aims to clarify the misconception of Modern and

Contemporary by educating students about the nature and background of
these two dances.

MODULE GUIDE

In going about this module, here is a simple guide for you:

1. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

2. Read each lesson and do all the activities that are provided for you.
3. Perform all the activities diligently to help and guide you in
understanding the topic.
4. Answer the learning and assessment tasks to measure how much
you have gained from the lessons.

MODULE OUTCOMES

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Differentiate Modern and Contemporary dance

2. Appreciate the two dances as a means of expression
3. Perform Modern and Contemporary dances

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

 LEARNING PLAN

MODERN & CONTEMPORARY DANCE

If you Google “Contemporary vs. Modern Dance” you will find

millions of entries about these two dance genres, many of which attempt
to clear up the question of what the difference is. Another large volume of
articles, blogs, blurbs. social media posts and videos seek to clarify the
difference between Contemporary and Lyrical (formerly called “Lyrical
Jazz”).

Identifying and understanding the difference between modern and

contemporary dance can be difficult if you do not know the history and
technique of these two dance styles.

Modern dances are very powerful channels of expression developed by

the art of rhythmic movement of the body, they have a wide variety of
styles and techniques with which you can represent emotions and
transmit them with enormous force on the outside.

MODERN DANCE

The modern dance style originated in Germany and

United States in the late 19th-early 20th century as a
protest to the Classical Ballet which focuses on self-
expression and emotional interpretation through
movement. It is often characterized by its angular
and asymmetrical movements, abrupt stops and
starts, and fluidity of the spine. Modern dance uses a
wide range of body movements, including floor work,
contractions, and release techniques, to convey
emotion and abstract ideas. Unlike other popular dance styles such as jazz
and ballet, modern dance is less rigid and allows for more freedom of
movement and experimentation.

Modern dance is a dance style that focuses on a dancer’s own

interpretations instead of structured steps as in traditional ballet dancing:
Modern dancers reject the limitations of classical ballet and favor
movements derived from the expression of their inner feelings. Dancers
may perform solos or group pieces, and the focus is on individual
expression rather than conforming to a specific technique or style.

Initially, modern dance was based on myths and legends, but later, it was
an expression of the social, ethnic, political and economic climate of that

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

time, then, in the following years, there was the influence of dances from
other countries, including the Caribbean, African and Latin.

Today, much more is spoken of technique, the modern

dance steps also include techniques of classical dance, modern and
postmodern, without depriving the dancers of being able to use their
artistic and creative skills to express themselves and convey emotions.

Examples of Modern Dance: Scan the QRcodes below:

 Ballet

 Ballroom

 Burlesque

 Belly Dancing

 Jazz Dance

CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Contemporary dance is a relatively new dance style

that emerged in the mid-20th century (but it is
believed that it began when US dancer Isadora Duncan
[1878-1927] broke away from ballet and developed
her own more natural style). Contrary to popular
belief, contemporary dance is not just a combination
of jazz and ballet but instead combines a range of
techniques and styles to create unique and
expressive movements. Contemporary dance often
focuses on exploring the relationship between the
body and mind and the connection between
movement and emotion. The style blends elements of classical ballet
with jazz, modern and hip hop to create movements that are fluid,
graceful, and often unconventional.

Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the

strict structured nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floor
work, suing gravity to pull them down to the floor. This dance genre is
often done bare foot. Contemporary dance can be performed to many
different styles of music.

It is part of the new contemporary performing arts and its goal is to

distance itself from the formality and rigidity of the classical canons of

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

ballet in order to return to its essential function, that is, to communicate
and express.

Expressive communication takes place through a dance free from

constraints and coding. Contemporary dance is based on the universal
concepts of space, time, lines and curves and its language of expression
are the signals launched by the body.

Through the latter it is possible to give voice to emotions and feelings that
are being experienced, using gestures, movements and figures, for this
reason, for this type of dance, the choreographer performs above all an
inner search.

The dancer gives vent to improvisation, an indispensable tool for the

creation of the choreography, based on listening to his own body and the
environment around him.

The main features of Contemporary dance are the use of parallel in the
legs, curving, twisting, tilting the spine, as well as abstract gestures and
embracing gravity in the use of floor work. This kind of dance includes
different techniques such as floor work, fall, recovery, improvisation and
even the integration of disciplines such as yoga, pilates and martial arts.

Some techniques include:

 Graham technique (created by Martha

Graham) is based on "contraction and
release", and uses different parts of the
body in opposition to one another to
create spirals for dramatic tension. It
also incorporates formal exaggerations
of "natural" movements.

 Cunningham technique (created by

Merce Cunningham) this
technique emphasizes the use of space
and time in movement. The dancer
must use their body to explore the
different possibilities of movement in
space, such as levels, directions, and
shapes.

 Limón technique (founded by Jose

Limón) uses the pelvis, the body’s
natural center of gravity, as the center

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

 of movement, thus leaving the upper torso fully pliable to breathe
and to respond in movement.

BENEFITS OF DOING MODERN & CONTEMPORARY DANCE

 Develops stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis

 Develops better coordination, agility, and flexibility

 Develops social skills

 Improves balance and spatial awareness

 Improves mental functioning

 Increases physical confidence

MODERN DANCE CONTEMPORARY

DANCE

In conclusion, while modern and contemporary dance share some

similarities, they have distinct differences that set them apart. Both styles
offer a unique expression of movement and emotion and have contributed
significantly to the development of dance as an art form. Whether you
prefer the freedom of modern dance or the technical precision of

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

contemporary dance, there is something for everyone in the world of
dance.

ASSESSMENT TASK

A. Multiple Choice
Answer the following questions by encircling the letter of the
correct answer.
1. This technique emphasizes the use of space and time in
movement.
a. Modern dance
b. Cunningham technique
c. Contemporary
d. Graham
2. This dance is a relatively new dance style that emerged in the
mid-20th century.
a. Modern dance
b. Cunningham
c. Graham
d. Contemporary dance
3. This dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict
structured nature of ballet.
a. Contemporary dance
b. Classical dance
c. Modern dance
d. Lyrical dance
4. It is often characterized by its angular and asymmetrical
movements, abrupt stops and starts, and fluidity of the spine.
a. Contemporary dance
b. Classical dance
c. Modern dance
d. Lyrical dance
5. This technique uses the pelvis, the body’s natural center of
gravity, as the center of movement.
a. Improvisation technique
b. Limón technique
c. Tilting technique
d. Graham technique
6. This technique is based on "contraction and release"
a. Graham
b. Limón
c. Cunningham
d. Release technique
7. It focuses on breaking away from ballet.
a. Modern b. Classical ballet c. Contemporary d. Modern Ballet

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

 8. It focuses on incorporating all forms of dance.
a. Modern b. Classical ballet c. Contemporary d. Modern Ballet
9. This dance can be performed to many different styles of music.
a. Ballet dance
b. Jazz dance
c. Contemporary dance
d. Modern dance
10. This dance is less rigid and allows for more freedom of
movement and experimentation.
a. Modern dance
b. Contemporary dance
c. Classical ballet
d. Modern jazz

B. Matching Type
Examine the statements included in the rectangle and determine
if they belong to modern or contemporary dance.

• Mid-20th century • More structured with narrative

• Deliberate movements • Focus on breaking away from ballet
• Fluid movements • Still evolving today
• More rooted in history • Newer, abstract forms of movements
• Angular movements • Focus on incorporating all forms of
dance

MODERN DANCE CONTEMPORARY DANCE

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

 C. True or False
Write True if the statement is correct, and write False if the
statement is not correct.

____________ 1. Limón technique was founded by John Limón.

____________ 2. Engaging yourself in modern and contemporary dance will

help you develop your social skills.

____________ 3. The main features of Contemporary dance are the use of

parallel in the legs, curving, twisting your head in 360˚.

____________ 4. Modern dance stresses versatility and improvisation.

____________ 5. Contemporary dance is based on the universal concepts

of space, time, lines and curves and its language of expression are the
signals launched by the body.

____________ 6. Modern dance is a dance style that focuses on a dancer’s

own interpretations.

____________ 7. The modern dance style originated in Germany and United

States in the late 18th-early 20th century

____________ 8. Modern dance focuses on incorporating all forms of dance.

____________ 9. Graham technique (created by Martha Graham) is based on

"contraction and release”

____________ 10. Contemporary dance often focuses on exploring the

relationship between the body and mind and the connection between
movement and emotion.

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance

 REFERENCES

https://www.danceplug.com/article/lets-clear-the-confusion-why-contemporary-and-modern-
dance-are-different

https://www.wellnessevolution.it/en/difference-dance-modern-dance-contemporary/

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/modern-and-contemporary-dance/228440760#2

https://www.ruthshineschoolofdance.com/2023/03/07/modern-vs-contemporary-dance-whats-the-
difference/

https://dancewearcorner.com/blogs/dance/differences-between-modern-and-contemporary-dance

Physical Education & Health Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Dance