Modern Dance?

Question

I just signed up for a modern dance class, and i've taken ballet about 4 years ago, and i've also taken jazz like 3 times in my life. Now, i know modern is not structured, and is reffered to as "free dance", but i was wondering if there is anything in particular i have to know how to do in order to stay in. Because, i'm not all that flexible, and i was wondering what tips you modern dancers can give me.

thanks.

Answer 1

I think you've got a kind of wrong perception of modern. The reason its called "free dance" is because its earliest predecessor is free dance. The definition of free dance is NOT that there is no structure but that its a form of dance that attempts to rebel from classical ballet and its rigid constraints.

Modern can be very structured in technique. The problem is that there are manyyyy different modern techniques according to which one you're following, which gives people the perception that there is no technique/structure. If you're taking a modern class, it will be structured according to a certain technique (Horton, Laban, Graham, Cunningham, Limon, etc) or maybe a couple/few combined into one class.

The less structured version of modern is its daughter, contemporary. Contemporary is a combination of techniques including contact and movement improvisation, giving the non-structured feel.

Modern dance is all about strengthening the body and making the body beautiful according to feel and flow. You need to work on that flexibility. Its a combination of different techniques, so just be open to different movement.

My advice is to go in with an open mind and NO preconceived notions about it. An open mind will go a long way. Think of it as a journey and as an opposite to ballet (there are many different kinds of opposites to ballet). For example, alignment is still important but your legs are going to be turned in. Use breath to get the full breadth of every movement you take.

It'll be QUITE different than any other dance class you've ever taken.

Answer 2

In addition above:

Modern is more structured than you think. It has a lot of different techniques based on the pioneers who created them. Like Graham = contraction and release; Duncan = rise and fall (technique feared by Ballet Dancers)... and among others like Limon, Cunningham, Hawkins...

Free dance refer to freedom from Ballet - like dancing barefeet, lots of floor movements (low levels) - pirouettes and turns without spotting (on occasion) - used of different terms like leap instead of jette.

Each classes are different because of the instructor, but not that too different like in Ballet - Cechetti vs British. Just listen to the instructor. You have enough flexibility from your other dance to help you. Try to have your back and stomach move differently from Ballet - less strict but still holding the stomach. Like any dance find joy from it.

Answer 3

Well the girl above me wrote A LOT, but I take modern at my dance school and I don't think it is that hard. It's very relaxing and it lets me be who I want. You don't have to be that flexible, but you do have to do some little jumps and things like that, so don't worry abou that. I took ballet my whole life and I think that is helping me with it, since they are closely related. Remember to just have fun!

Sorry I didn't write a novel like the girl above me lol

=)