Live, Love Modern Dance

I love dance and have decide to do some research about different types of dances. As modern dance is my favourite and I have also done it for 7 years, I will start with it....

Definition
Modern dance is a broad genre of western concert dance, it has primarily arise out of Germany and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History
Oversimplification of modern dance's history often leads to the erroneous explanation that the artform emerged merely as a rejection of or rebellion against classical ballet. As early as the 1880's, a range of socioeconomic changes in both the United States and Europe helped pave the way to tremendous shifts in the dance world. For example: in America, the rise of a middle class, and the decline of Victorian social strictures led to a new interest in health and physical fitness.

During the 1880's, the champions of physical education helped to prepare the way for modern dance, and gymnastic exercises served as technical starting points for young women who longed to dance. Emil Rath, stated, "Music and rhythmic bodily movement are twin sisters of art, as they have come into existence simultaneously..".

Facts
Modern dance focuses on a dancer's own interpretations instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. Modern dance encourages dancers to use their emotions and moods to design their own steps and routines. Modern dancers reject the limitations of classical ballet and favor movements derived from the expression of their inner feelings. Modern dance pioneers often danced in bare feet and revealing costumes. In the United States, several dance pioneers paved the way for American modern dance, including the legendary Martha Graham.

Another characteristic of modern dance in opposition to ballet is the deliberate use of gravity. Whereas classical ballet dancers strive to be light and airy on their feet, modern dancers often use their body weight to enhance movement. This type of dancer rejects the classical ballet stance of an upright, erect body, often opting instead for deliberate falls to the floor.

When attending your first modern dance class, you are probably wondering what type of shoes and clothes you should wear. While some studios have strict dress requirements, you will probably be safe showing up in tights and a leotard underneath a top or skirt of some kind. As for shoes, many modern dancers prefer to wear leather or canvas ballet slippers, and some like the feeling of bare feet.


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Video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-6InwN_gVU