Kontemp became the dance that 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 contemp saw in it a part of the culture that can attract the masses.
History of occurrence
Contemp is a dance that is also called contemporary dance. Translated from English, this means "modern dance." This movement, which arose at the end of the 19th century, called for liberation from generally accepted standards. The direction was created to merge life and dance. People were united by one worldview 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. In their opinion, kontemp is available to everyone who wants to master it. He will help change your life. Improvisation is the main feature that will awaken creativity in a person, the creators assured.
At the same time (in the late 19th - early 20th centuries), mankind actively showed interest in sports activities of various directions. It was also taken into the idea of contemp.
Isadora Duncan - one of the founders of contemp
The American dancer Isadora Duncan was one of those who stood at the origins of the birth of modern dance. She denied the school of classical ballet and preferred free plastic dance. Her goal was to connect music and movements into one whole. In her performances, the dancer used classical music and literally illustrated it with the help of dance. Duncan appeared on stage in loose clothes and barefoot, which for that time was unusual and amazing. Spectators reacted very emotionally to such spectacular performances. She had a rich imagination and more than once shocked the audience with her dances in a 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
Kontemp is a dance that is now referred to modern trends. The basics are taken from the dance movements of the classical dance of modern jazz, qigong, tai chi chuan, yoga, Pilates. From this there is so much diversity in it and there are no boundaries for the transfer of one's internal state. The absence of any prohibitions creates amazing creative solutions. The framework is set only in matters of perception of the spectacle by the viewer. In dance, it is difficult to keep track of certain styles and directions. Kontemp 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, they attach great importance to working with space, breathing, emotions, the quality of movements, the proper alignment of your body.
Development of various techniques
Modern dance is still evolving. Each choreographer and director expresses his vision of the world in it. There are laws of the construction of the dance, which the masters develop in their own way.
At different times, various techniques appeared that were created by the “pioneers” of modern dance.
- Alexander's technique appeared in the 1920s. Attention is paid to proper posture and body structure.
- The Feldenkrais method is based on a system of integrated work with the body.
- Somatics. Designed by Thomas Hannah in the 1970s. It is based on the concept of awareness and the interaction of the body and mind.
- Rudolph Laban system. It is built on the understanding, observation, description and notation of all forms of movement.
- Martha Graham Technique . Particular attention is paid to working with the abdominal cavity and pelvis.
- Technique of Merce Cunningham. It is based on the architecture of the body in space, the construction of a line of force, giving an easy and natural movement.
- Technique release. It is based on the use of only those muscles that are needed at the moment. The rest should be freed. This technique helps to feel your body, understand it and fill the dancer’s choreographic vocabulary.
- The Hampree-Wedman technique. Built on studies of the use of force and energy, at work with weight.
- Technique of Jose Lemon. Based on the teachings of Hampree-Wedman. It uses the movement of breath through the body, the transfer of weight from one part of the body to another.
One and the same dance will not be equally perceived if performed by two different people, because it is based on weight and balance.
Each lesson begins with a detailed breakdown of the anatomical, nervous, respiratory and muscle systems. Kontemp 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 learning process:
- Balance and articulation.
- Gravity
- Floor technique - par terre.
Lessons are built on these three bases. Kontemp begins with theory, with a discussion of the mood of the dance and the sensations that it evokes. For pair dances, support, the technique of their performance are discussed. At least a third of the lesson is given to warming up the body.
Kontemp is a dance that is performed in three techniques:
- vertical - dance in an upright position;
- ground floor - dance on the floor;
- steam room - dance with a partner.
How are you doing today?
There are three directions to modern dances. All of them have practically no differences.
- Free dance. Based on habitual and natural human movements.
- The musical movement. More attention is paid to music. The dance begins with the first notes of the sound of the composition and ends with the last sounds. The main task is to reflect the mood of the musical work.
- Contempo modern. Born in the USA and Germany. Until the end, he did not leave the traditional ballet movements. At the same time, he also influenced classical choreography.
The meaning of music
In modern dance, the role of music is very strong. It is designed to help the dancer, and not to impose her theme. At the beginning of the inception of the style, music for contemp was chosen classical. Now the rhythm set by the metronome is enough to perform the dance. By movements and dramaturgy, a person conveys the mood and character of his speech. Kontemp is a dance that can be performed in any musical accompaniment: with natural acoustic sounds, to modern melodies and even in silence. Music for contemp 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 can learn to listen to their body at any age. However, over time, the style of contemp has been so improved and complicated that there are such compositions that not everyone can perform. Some performances are not inferior to acrobatic numbers in terms of the number of complex supports and the level of training of speakers.
Now they begin to deal with this direction from the age of 4. Children are taught to feel the music, master elementary movements and get acquainted with the culture of modern dance.
Contemporary music can be started at any age. It is safe and available to start learning dance moves.
Clothing for classes should be free and comfortable. For convenience, it is recommended to use ballet shoes or Czechs, you can jazz shoes, tight socks with non-slip soles. Very often they dance just barefoot. This has become a symbol of contemporary music.