Contemporary dance is a popular and expressive dance style that combines elements of several dance genres, including modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. If you're an aspiring contemporary dancer, there are several essential skills you'll need to master in order to succeed in this field. In this blog post, we'll explore some of these key skills and offer tips for how to develop them.
1. Technique
Strong technical skills are essential for any dancer, and contemporary dance is no exception. You'll need to have a solid foundation in ballet and modern dance techniques, as well as a strong understanding of body alignment and movement quality. To develop your technique, consider taking regular classes with a qualified instructor and practicing on your own.
2. Musicality
Contemporary dance often features complex and expressive music, so it's important to have a strong sense of musicality. This means being able to hear and interpret the different elements of the music, such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, and using them to inform your movement choices. To develop your musicality, try listening to a wide variety of music and experimenting with different ways of moving to it.
3. Performance Quality
Contemporary dance is all about expressing emotion and telling a story through movement. To do this effectively, you'll need to have a strong performance quality. This means being able to connect with your audience, convey emotion through your facial expressions and body language, and make bold, dynamic choices with your movement. To develop your performance quality, consider taking acting or improvisation classes, and practice performing in front of a mirror or recording yourself to get feedback.
4. Creativity
Contemporary dance is a highly creative and expressive dance form, so it's important to have a strong sense of your own artistic voice. This means being able to generate original movement ideas, take risks, and push the boundaries of what's possible with your body. To develop your creativity, try experimenting with different movement styles and techniques, collaborating with other dancers and choreographers, and seeking out inspiration from a wide variety of sources.
5. Physical Fitness
Dancing requires a high level of physical fitness, and contemporary dance is no exception. You'll need to have strong cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and strength in order to perform at your best. To maintain your physical fitness, consider incorporating regular cross-training activities into your routine, such as running, swimming, or strength training.
Mastering these essential skills will take time and dedication, but with hard work and a commitment to continuous learning, you can achieve your goals as an aspiring contemporary dancer. Remember to always stay curious, open-minded, and willing to take risks, and you'll be well on your way to finding your own unique voice in this expressive and dynamic dance form.
