Modern dance is a form of theatrical dance that originated in the United States and Europe toward the end of the 19th century. Modern dance lessons may draw upon several other forms of dance and particular aspects of individual movements. Lessons may divide your instruction into segments that focus on introducing or improving your skills with traditional dance forms. Your instructor may require that you integrate multiple forms of dance.
Ballet
Modern dance lessons may include instruction in ballet. Dance instructor and choreographer Pierre Beauchamp created five basic ballet moves in the 17th century. You may learn these and more advanced ballet movements for the ballet segment of your modern dance lessons. The instructor may asses your skill level as you demonstrate isolations or movement combinations. Lessons may include task cards that test your knowledge of various elements of ballet. You might be asked to work with other students to create simple dances in small groups that you perform for the entire class.
Folk and Ethnic
Ethnic groups all over the world practice traditional folk dances at weddings, parties, rituals and other celebrations or gatherings. For example, square dancing and contra dancing are beloved folk dances in the United States. Smithsonian.org reports that Katherine Dunham pioneered the application of folk and ethnic components to modern dance compositions. Dunham, a dancer and choreographer, researched the role of dance in Africa, the Caribbean and African American society. Your modern dance lessons may draw upon similar folk and ethnic dance forms.
Hip-Hop
Modern dance lessons may include a segment of hip-hop dance instruction. Hip-hop routines are broken down by beats. The hip-hop segment of your modern dance lessons may start by emphasizing your footwork. Your instructor may eventually require that you assemble a short multi-beat hip-hop routine that features a specified number of hip-hop moves per beat. You would typically be asked to perform at least one arm, leg and head movement within a specified number of beats. Hip-hop moves include the heel-toe, popping, gliding, the moonwalk and the Harlem shake.
Emotional Integration
Modern dance originally emphasized using your body to express emotions. This brings an individualistic approach to dance lessons that does not rely on the strict application of form and technique. Your modern dance lessons may reveal techniques that help you express emotions such as passion, fear, joy or grief through dance movements.Your instructor may assess how effectively you draw upon various forms of dance to assemble and demonstrate a routine that evokes an emotional reaction from your audience.
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