What Is Contemporary Dance? A Look at Its History and Meaning
Contemporary dance is one of the most expressive and creative styles we teach at Praise Him Dance Academy. Parents often ask, “What exactly is contemporary dance?” or “How is it different from ballet or jazz?” The truth is, contemporary dance is both deeply rooted in history and constantly evolving, which makes it such a beautiful and versatile art form.
Where Contemporary Dance Began
Contemporary dance grew out of a desire for freedom. In the early 1900s, many dancers felt restricted by the strict rules of classical ballet. Pioneers like Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham began exploring new ways of moving. They used breath, emotion, and natural body rhythms instead of just ballet positions. Their work opened the door for a style of dance that expressed the human spirit in raw, authentic ways.
Over the decades, contemporary dance absorbed influences from ballet, modern dance, jazz, and even cultural and street dance forms. Because of this, no two contemporary pieces look exactly alike. It’s a style that embraces creativity, storytelling, and innovation.
What Makes Contemporary Dance Unique
Freedom of Movement: Dancers use the whole body to express ideas, often flowing between sharp, strong motions and soft, fluid ones.
Grounded Technique: While ballet often emphasizes lightness and “floating,” contemporary dancers make use of weight, gravity, and floor work.
Emotion and Storytelling: Contemporary pieces often communicate feelings, tell a story, or explore themes that matter to the dancers and audience.
Fusion of Styles: Elements of ballet technique, jazz sharpness, and modern release combine, giving contemporary its wide, dynamic range.
How We Teach Contemporary at PHDA
At Praise Him Dance Academy, contemporary is more than a class it’s a journey of discovering joy in movement. We help dancers develop a strong foundation in technique, but we also provide opportunities for creativity and ownership of movement.
Choreography: Students learn how to choreograph their own pieces. This helps them grow as both artists and leaders while discovering how to put their faith, feelings, and stories into movement.
Improvisation: We regularly teach improv skills, allowing dancers to explore spontaneous movement. Improv helps build confidence, musicality, and emotional expression.
Duets and Small Groups: Dancers have the chance to work on duets and smaller collaborative projects, strengthening teamwork, artistry, and trust.
Discovering Their Own Style: Most importantly, we encourage dancers to find their unique “voice” through movement. No two dancers are alike, and contemporary gives them freedom to worship, create, and shine in their own way.
Why Contemporary Requires Ballet or Jazz
Because contemporary dance is built on elements of many techniques, it isn’t considered a standalone technique class. Instead, it blends the structure of ballet, the strength of jazz, and the creativity of modern. For this reason, we require all students who take contemporary to also be enrolled in either ballet or jazz.
This ensures dancers have the technical foundation they need to move safely, understand alignment, and perform with excellence. Ballet develops strength, control, and fluidity, while jazz builds sharpness, rhythm, and versatility. Both class skills come alive in contemporary choreography. Having that base allows our dancers to fully embrace the artistry of contemporary without losing strong technique.
Why We Love Contemporary Dance
Contemporary gives students the opportunity to connect movement with meaning. It challenges dancers to grow in technique while also giving them freedom to explore artistry and worship. Contemporary is about more than performing steps, it’s about expressing the heart behind the movement.
Whether a routine is joyful, reflective, or prayerful, contemporary dance invites audiences to feel something deeper. That’s why it’s one of the most moving styles to watch and perform.
In Summary
Contemporary dance is a style born from creativity and freedom. Blending the discipline of ballet with the expression of modern and jazz, it has become one of today’s most beloved dance forms. At Praise Him Dance Academy, we go even further—empowering dancers not just to learn choreography, but to create it, explore it, and make it their own as an act of worship and artistry.
