Contemporary dance has evolved significantly over the past century, with new styles and trends emerging and gaining popularity. In this blog post, we'll take a look back at some of the most influential dance trends from the past century and explore how they've shaped the world of contemporary dance.
1950s: The Birth of Modern Dance
The 1950s marked the birth of modern dance, with pioneers like Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham developing new techniques and styles that broke away from traditional ballet. This period also saw the rise of jazz dance, which combined elements of modern dance with the energy and improvisation of jazz music.
1960s: The Arrival of Postmodern Dance
In the 1960s, postmodern dance emerged as a reaction against the formalism and rigidity of modern dance. Choreographers like Yvonne Rainer and Trisha Brown began to experiment with new forms of movement, incorporating everyday gestures and tasks into their work. This period also saw the rise of dance improvisation, with dancers like Steve Paxton and Simone Forti exploring the possibilities of movement without the constraints of set choreography.
1970s: The Emergence of Street Dance
The 1970s saw the emergence of street dance, with styles like breakdancing and hip hop gaining popularity in urban areas. These dance forms were characterized by their improvisational nature and their emphasis on individual expression and creativity. Street dance also incorporated elements of acrobatics and gymnastics, with dancers performing complex moves and tricks that showcased their physical prowess and skill.
1980s: The Rise of Music Video Dance
In the 1980s, the rise of music videos brought dance into the mainstream, with choreographers like Michael Peters and Arlene Phillips creating iconic dance routines for artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson. This period also saw the emergence of dance-based reality shows like "Dance Fever" and "Star Search," which showcased the talents of dancers from a variety of backgrounds and styles.
1990s: The Arrival of Electronic Dance Music
The 1990s saw the arrival of electronic dance music (EDM), with genres like techno and house music gaining popularity in clubs and dance venues. This period also saw the rise of rave culture, with dancers like Gabrielle Roth and Liquid Todd creating new forms of movement that were influenced by the repetitive, hypnotic beats of EDM.
2000s: The Emergence of Social Media Dance
In the 2000s, the rise of social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok made it easier than ever for dancers to share their work and connect with audiences around the world. This period saw the emergence of viral dance challenges and memes, with dancers like Brian Friedman and Matt Steffanina creating routines that were quickly replicated and shared by millions of people online.
2020s: The Future of Contemporary Dance
As we look to the future, it's clear that contemporary dance will continue to evolve and change, influenced by new technologies, cultural shifts, and the creative visions of dancers and choreographers around the world. Whether it's through virtual reality, artificial intelligence, or other emerging technologies, the possibilities for contemporary dance are endless, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
