Contemp is ... Contemp - modern dance

Contemp became that dance, which erased the generally accepted framework of movements. No wonder it is called a set of random movements in a nonrandom order. Those who stood at the origins of the birth of the contemp, saw in it a part of a culture that can attract the masses.

History of occurrence

Contemp is a dance, which is also called contemporary dance. In English it means "modern dance". This movement, which originated in the late 19 th century, called for to get rid of generally accepted standards. The direction was created for the fusion of life and dance. The people were united by one world view, based on the idea of Nietzsche. The freedom of the dancer was to reveal his emancipation and creative spirit.

Those who stood at the origin of the direction wanted to attract as many people as possible to it. In their opinion, the context is available to everyone who wants to learn it. He will help change his life. Improvisation is the main feature that will awaken creative abilities in a person, the creators assured.

At the same time (at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries), mankind actively showed interest in sports activities of various directions. This was also taken into the idea of a context.

Isadora Duncan - one of the founders of the context

American dancer Isadora Duncan was one of those who stood at the origins of the origin of modern dance. She denied the school of classical ballet and preferred free plastic dance. Its goal was to link music and movement into one. In her performances, the dancer used classical music and literally illustrated it with the help of dance. On the stage, Duncan came out in loose clothes and barefoot, which for that time was unusual and surprising. The audience reacted very emotionally to such entertaining performances. She had a rich imagination and more than once shocked the audience with her dancing in the half-naked form.

Despite the fact that her school did not find followers, she made a huge contribution to the destruction of stereotypes.

Contemporary as a symbiosis of different cultures

Contemp is a dance that is now referred to as modern trends. The basics are taken from the dance movements of the classical dance of jazz-modern, qigong, tai chi chuan, yoga, pilates. From this, there is so much diversity in it and there are no boundaries for the transfer of its internal state. The absence of any prohibitions creates surprising creative solutions. The framework is established only in matters of perception of the spectacle by the spectator. In dance it is difficult to follow certain styles and directions. Contemp is a dance for the soul and pleasure. Academic culture hides the human, and free modern dances put it forward. No ideals of beauty and standards, everything is chaotic, unexpected and sincere.

In the classroom, great importance is given to working with space, breathing, emotions, the quality of movements, and the proper alignment of one's body.

Development of various techniques

Modern dance is still developing. Each choreographer and director expresses his vision of the world in it. There are laws of the construction of dance, which the masters develop in their own way.

At various times, various techniques appeared, which were created by the "pioneers" of contemporary dances.

• Alexander's technique appeared in the 1920s. Attention is paid to the correct posture and structure of the body.
• The Feldenkrais method is based on a system of complex work with the body.
• Somatics. Developed by Thomas Hannah in the 1970s. It is based on the concept of mindfulness and interaction of the body and mind.
• The Rudolph Laban system. It is built on understanding, observation, description and notation of all forms of movement.
• The technique of Martha Graham. Particular attention is paid to working with the abdominal cavity and pelvis.
• The technique of Mers Cunningham. At the heart is the architecture of the body in space, the construction of a line of force that gives a light and natural movement.
• Technique release. It is based on using only those muscles that are needed at the moment. The rest must be released. This technique helps to feel your body, understand it and fill the choreographic vocabulary of the dancer.
• The Humphrey-Uedman technique. It is built on the research of the use of force and energy, at work with weight.
• The technique of Jose Lemon. It is based on the teachings of Humprey-Uedman. The movement of breath through the body, the transfer of weight from one part of the body to another is used.

The same dance will not be equally received if it is performed by two different people, because it is based on weight and balance.

Each lesson begins with a detailed disassembly of the anatomical, nervous, respiratory and muscular systems. Contemp is a dance, the study of which is based on three basic programs.

Modern dance programs

The following sections are subject to compulsory study in the process of training:

• Balance and articulation.
• Gravity.
• Technique of working with the floor - par terre.

On these three bases, lessons are being built. Contemp begins with a theory, with a discussion of the mood of the dance and the sensations that it causes. For paired dances the support, the technique of their performances are discussed. At least a third of the class is dedicated to warming up the body.

Contemp is a dance performed in three techniques:

- vertical - dance in vertical position;

- Ground floor - dance on the floor;

- Steam - dance with a partner.

How are things today?

To modern dances carry three directions. All of them have practically no differences.

- Free dance. It is based on the habitual and natural movements of man.

- Musical movement. More attention is paid to music. The dance begins with the first notes of the composition and ends with the last sounds. The main task is to reflect the mood of the musical work.

- Contemporary Art. Originated in the US and Germany. Until the end has not gone away from traditional ballet movements. At the same time, he also influenced the classical choreography.

Importance of music

In modern dance, the role of music is very strong. It is designed to help the dancer, and not to impose his theme. At the beginning of the origin of the style, the music for the context was chosen classical. Now for the performance of the dance, the rhythm given by the metronome is sufficient. Movement and drama, the person conveys the mood and character of his speech. Contemp is a dance that can be performed in any musical accompaniment: with natural acoustic sounds, modern melodies and even in silence. Music for kontempa can be with or without words, there are no rules and requirements.

Start date

Experts emphasize that modern dances were created 100 years ago so that people could learn to listen to their body at any age. However, over time, the style of the contest was so perfected and complicated that there are such compositions that not everyone can perform. Some performances are not inferior to acrobatic numbers by the number of complex supports and the level of preparation of speakers.

Now this direction starts to be engaged from 4 years. Children are taught to feel music, master elementary movements and get acquainted with the culture of modern dance.

Contemporary can begin to engage in any age. It is safe and is available to begin the development of dance movements.

Clothes for training should be free and comfortable. For convenience, it is recommended to use ballet shoes or Czechs, you can jazz, tight socks with a non-slip sole. Very often they dance simply barefoot. This has already become a symbol of Contemporary.