Contemporary dance thrives in the space between control and surrender. As an intermediate dancer, you’re no longer just learning steps—you’re crafting a language of movement that’s uniquely yours. Here’s how to deepen your practice.
1. Strength: The Silent Foundation
Contemporary demands both explosive power and sustained control. Unlike ballet’s rigid lines, contemporary strength is fluid yet grounded.
Plié-to-Relevé Pulses: In parallel or turned-out, lower to plié, then rise to relevé in slow, controlled pulses (3 counts down, 1 up). Add arm sweeps to engage the back.
2. Finding Your Flow
Flow isn’t just about moving smoothly—it’s about intentional momentum. Practice these transitions:
- Spiral into Fall: From standing, spiral the torso forward, let the arms lead, and cascade into the floor with control.
- Weight Shifts: Play with off-balance movements—lean until you must step, then recover with a curve.
"Contemporary dance is the art of making the impossible look effortless, then revealing the effort as part of the beauty."
3. Emotional Architecture
Your technique is the scaffold; your emotions are the interior design. Ask:
- What story does this movement tell?
- How does the quality change if you’re pushing against resistance vs. floating?
- Where does the movement initiate? (Hint: It’s often deeper than you think.)
Improv to a song twice—first with sharp, angular motions, then with melting, circular ones. Notice how the same music can birth entirely different narratives.
4. The Advanced Beginner Trap
Many intermediates plateau by focusing solely on more—more turns, higher jumps. Instead, drill into nuance:
- How many ways can you exit a pirouette? (Hint: Try collapsing into the floor instead of finishing upright.)
- Can you make a simple tendu feel dramatic by playing with timing?
5. Cross-Train Smart
Supplement your training with:
- Pilates: For core articulation and spinal mobility.
- Improvisation: Set a timer for 5 minutes and move without stopping—no judging, just sensing.
- Weightlifting: Deadlifts and squats (with proper form!) build the power for those soaring leaps.
Remember: Contemporary dance is a conversation between discipline and freedom. Master the rules, then rewrite them—with your body as the pen.
