Modern Dance and Where it Is Today?

Modern dance first emerged in the early 20th century and has since evolved into one of the most prominent dance forms seen today.

Modern dance was originally started as a way to rebel against the confines of classical ballet. In the early 1900's, modern dancers sought to shed the oppressive technique, shoes, physique, costuming, and most of all the rigidity of ballet. The dancers aimed for self-expression in their dancing rather than a display of technical prowess.

Modern dance deconstructed the classical lines and positions of ballet. Rather than working from a turned out position, they worked from a more natural parallel position. One of the most famous aspects of modern dance is its utilization of floor work, which was a revolutionary concept at the time of its inception. Modern dancers also traditionally do not wear shoes when they dance.

Today it overlaps into a variety of genres and no longer has clear definition. Modern, Lyrical, and Contemporary, is incredibly prominent in the dance world. There are hundreds of professional companies in the United State alone, from the Alvin Ailey Company in New York to Our Dance Commons in San Francisco. Dance studios often compliment these classes with their formal dance curriculum producing well rounded dancers. Being a well-rounded dancer has long been sought after but, the attention from the shows like, So You Think You Can Dance, have made it a must in the dance world. It is a constantly changing and developing dance form that is welcoming to all who are interested in trying it.

Director, Mindy Love Watkins, of Love to Dance, Inc. in San Diego, CA understands the balance of having her dancers cross trained in all genres to escalate their technic and prepare them for dance life after high school. "Comprehension is a huge part in becoming self-aware about how to interpret, extrapolate, and execute your technic. To communicate in silence requires a deep understanding of what expression actually is. Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop help in developing these talents."

Visit Love to Dance, Inc. at http://lovetodanceinc.com/