MODERN-AND-CONTEMPORARY-DANCE-1

Course Information

  • Institution: Arellano University Plaridel Campus

  • Course: Physical Education and Health 3

  • Prepared by: Ms. Emily Cruz

Topic Overview

  • Topic: Modern and Contemporary Dance

Lesson Objectives

  • At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

    • Understand the history and influences of Modern and Contemporary Dance.

    • Identify the pioneers of Modern and Contemporary Dance.

    • Perform the basic movements of Contemporary Dance.

Definitions

Modern Dance

  • A dance form that developed in the late 19th century, partly in reaction to traditional forms of dance like ballet.

  • Characteristics include:

    • Free-form style.

    • A focus on personal expression.

Contemporary Dance

  • Emerged in the 20th century, focusing on personal expression and breaking conventional styles.

  • Characteristics include:

    • Freedom of movement.

    • Combines elements from various dance genres, including modern dance, lyrical, and classical ballet.

Differences Between Modern Dance and Contemporary Dance

  • Modern Dance:

    • Began as a free form style lyrical ballet among professionals.

    • Characteristics are more structured compared to contemporary dance.

  • Contemporary Dance:

    • A style that emphasizes expressive movement and flexibility in technique.

History and Influence

  • Developed in the United States and Europe in the late 19th century.

  • Based on Utopian ideals, promoting conscious living.

  • Initially a reaction against the strictness of classical ballet, seen as radical for its time.

Key Figures in Modern/Contemporary Dance

  • Martha Graham

  • Ruth St. Denis

  • Ted Shawn

  • Isadora Duncan

  • Loie Fuller

Pioneers

Notable Contributions

Loie Fuller (1862-1928)

  • First choreographer to incorporate lighting into performances.

    • Used multicolored lights on silk.

    • Utilized incandescent lighting.

    • Developed a traveling lighting team.

  • Responsible for numerous European tours including Isadora Duncan.

Isadora Duncan (1877-1927)

  • American dancer, credited with inventing "modern dance".

    • Promoted barefoot and free-flowing dance styles.

    • Integrated influences from Grecian culture and American athleticism into her dance.

Ruth St. Denis & Ted Shawn (1877-1960)

  • Founded the Denishawn School of Dancing and Related Arts.

  • Based movements on various world dance forms.

    • Influences from East Asia, Egypt, Japan, India, etc.

Martha Graham (1894-1991)

  • American dancer and choreographer who began her career in 1916.

  • Developed a fresh emotional expression in dance.

  • Established herself as an independent artist in 1926, known as the "Mother of Modern Dance."

Basic Movements of Contemporary Dance

  1. Swing Step

  2. Butt Roll Step

  3. Foot Movement Step

  4. Spiral Step

  5. Sitting Roll Step

  6. Body Star Step

  7. Turn Step

  8. Leg Swing Step

  9. Jazz Split Combination

  10. Hand Round Step