HISTORY OF MODERN DANCE

San Francisco Municipal College Modern dance primarily arose out of Europe and the United States in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries as a reaction against the rigid constraints of classical ballet.
PATH-FIT: Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness 3
Pioneers like Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and Loie Fuller broke away from
Schedule & Time: Every Monday- 2hrs
Term: 1ST SEMESTER – FINALTERM traditional forms, advocating for natural movement and artistic exploration. Over
time, modern dance developed into a wide range of styles, each with its focus on
storytelling, rhythm, and creativity.
MODERN DANCES
Learning Objectives: Martha Graham is considered one of the foremost
pioneers of American modern dance. To express
By the end of this module, students will be able to: the passion, rage, and ecstasy of humans, she
1. Understand the characteristics and history of modern dances. developed her very own language of movement.
2. Identify various types of modern dance forms. Graham created a new dance technique similar to
3. Perform basic modern dance movements with proper technique and rhythm. classical ballet but with several differences. She
4. Explore self-expression through modern dance routines. focused heavily on basic human movement,
concentrating on the movements of contraction
MODERN DANCE is a genre that emphasizes self-expression, freedom of . and release. Instead of striving for long, fluid
movement, and innovation. It challenges traditional forms and uses unique movements, Graham's movements were sharp
techniques to create emotionally driven and individual performances. Unlike and jagged. Her dancing aimed to expose basic
classical ballet, modern dance often rejects strict structures and encourages human emotions through movement, and her
dancers to connect with the music and the message on a personal level. Angeladance
brave vision for modern Isadora Duncan
earned her(Born:
severalMay 26, 1877– Died: September
awards and honors. 14, 1927) was an American-born dancer and choreographer,
It provides fitness benefits and cultural sensitivity. Modern dance uses a who was a pioneer of modern contemporary dance and
variety of movements, such as no boundaries and the use of space to formulate a performed to great acclaim throughout Europe and the United
unique style. The course introduces the nature of dance and its fitness benefits. It States. Born and raised in California, she lived and danced in
involves the main styles that include movement skills. Through skills training, drills, Western Europe, the U.S., and Soviet Russia from the age of 22.
dance participation, and self-directed physical activities will be enhanced. She died when her scarf became entangled in the wheel and
axle of the car in which she was traveling in Nice, France.
During the 1900's, European dancers began rebelling against the rigid rules
of classical ballet. Turning against the structured techniques, costumes, and shoes
of ballet, these dancers favored a more relaxed, freestyle form of dancing. For Loie Fuller/Marie Louise Fuller; January 15, 1862 – January 1,
example, modern dance pioneers often danced in bare feet and revealing 1928), also known as Louie Fuller and Loïe Fuller, was an
costumes. In the United States, several dance pioneers paved the way for American American dancer and a pioneer of modern dance and
modern dance, including the legendary Martha Graham. theatrical lighting techniques.
Characteristics of Modern Dance What are the elements of contemporary dance?

Modern dance is distinct for its: Contemporary dance has quite a few elements that make it stand out. However, it
also has the five basic elements every genre has: body, action, space, time, and
• Emphasis on self-expression and emotion.
energy.
• Use of grounded movements rather than lifted, airy steps.
• Diverse styles, often incorporating improvisation. JAZZ DANCE
• Exploration of social, cultural, or personal themes.
Jazz is an upbeat, energetic style known for its rhythm
Modern dance is a style of dance that is characterized by many traits, including: and dynamic footwork. Jazz dance originated from
African-American culture and has evolved to include
• Freeform: Modern dance is often described as fluid and freeform, with dancers various subgenres like Broadway jazz and commercial
alternating between long, languid movements and jerky ones. jazz.
• Emotional: Modern dance is a way for dancers to express their feelings to music.
• Rejects convention: Modern dance rejects the weightlessness and grace of 10 Basic Jazz Dance Steps for Beginners
ballet, instead using the dancer's body weight to propel themselves across the 1. The Jazz Square
floor.
• Dynamic alignment and flexibility: Modern dance emphasizes the core and At the heart of jazz dance is the classic jazz square. This step involves a sequence of
pelvis, and uses the dancer's weight and momentum. stepping forward, crossing over, stepping back, and side-stepping, creating a
• Breath: Breath is a prominent component of modern dance. distinct square pattern. Dancers aim to hit all four corners of the square with their
• Abstract: Modern dance is abstract, fluid, and free in both movements and stepping motion. As dancers become more comfortable with the jazz square, they
purpose. can add their own personal style and sass.
• Combines dance forms: Modern dance combines different forms of dance, such 2. Chassé
as ballet, tap, and jazz.
• Relaxed costumes: Modern dance costumes are relaxed and produced with Chassé means to chase as dancers’ feet “chase” one another in this step. Chassé,
original techniques and a lot of color. which can be stepping, sliding, gliding, or jumping, is often used as a preparation
• Expressive gestures: Movements in modern dance are always expressive step for other movements. To perform it dancers will begin by stepping to the side
gestures, never decorative shapes. or to the front, then bring the other foot to meet it, and finally take another step
• Groups of dancers: Groups of dancers in modern dance often form sculptural with the first foot.
wholes to represent social or psychological forces. 3. Pas de Bourrée
STYLES OF MODERN DANCE Pas de Bourrée consists of three steps with alternating feet, usually in the following
CONTEMPORARY DANCE sequence: back, side, font. Pas de Bourrée is normally a transitional or preparatory
step and can be performed as tiny steps or larger strides.
Known for fluid and graceful movements, contemporary dance
combines elements from various dance forms. It focuses on
emotion and flow, allowing for storytelling through movement.
4. Kick Ball Change the front to the back without picking up your feet. Your feet should turn but they
should stay on the floor where you placed them initially.
Kick Ball Change is exactly what it sounds like! You kick one foot then transfer weight
onto the ball of that same foot. Afterwards you take one more step with the 10. Pirouette
opposite foot, completing the last part of the step: the change. This step is a jazz
A pirouette is a bit more advanced but still a very foundational jazz dance step. A
dance classic that can be tailored to various routines.
pirouette involves spinning on one foot while the other is held close to the knee in
5. Plié a Passé or Retiré position. Achieving balance and core strength is essential for
mastering this turning step.
Borrowed from ballet, the plié is a foundational technique involving knee bends
while keeping your heels grounded. It brings depth and control to your jazz dance,
enhancing your balance and posture. To help you remember, plié means to bend.
HIP-HOP DANCE
6. Isolations
Emerging from street culture in the 1970s, hip-hop
Isolations are an integral part of jazz dance and dancers from beginners to advanced includes forms such as breaking, popping, and locking.
will benefit immensely from practicing isolations. To do an isolation, focus on It’s known for its high energy and urban vibe and is often
moving a single body part while keeping the rest of your body still. This can be your improvised and rhythm-driven. “Standard” techniques
head, hand, hip or any other part of your body. Isolations can be used as accents include fast footwork, freezes, powermoves, downrocks, and toprocks.
within a jazz dance choreography to create more texture and increase difficulty.
Fundamental movements and skills of hip-hop dance include:
7. Shimmy Popping: Involves quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to create a jerking effect
Locking involves performing a series of movements and holding them for a few
Shake things up with the shimmy – a lively movement that involves rapid shoulder
seconds. It can include acrobatics and physically demanding moves like landing on
and hip shaking. This step allows you to infuse your dance with personality and
one's knees or the split.
showcase your ability to let loose.
Breaking: Also known as breakdancing, b-boying, or b-girling, this style is
8. Jazz Walks unstructured and improvisational. It can involve spinning and contorting.
Chest pops: A fundamental move in hip hop
Feel the beat of the music in your soul with jazz walks. Traditional jazz walks are a Swinging your arms: A fundamental move in hip hop
sideways movement. If you’re moving towards the right, you would take a step with Jabs: A fundamental move in hip hop
your right foot then cross over with your left. You keep repeating this pattern. The Stomps: A fundamental move in hip hop
left would be the other way around. So you would take a step with your left foot Fast footwork: A standard technique in hip hop
then cross over with your right. Jazz walks give dancers the perfect opportunity to Freezes: A standard technique in hip hop
show off their confidence and personal sparkle. Powermoves: A standard technique in hip hop
9. Pivot Downrocks: A standard technique in hip hop
Toprocks: A standard technique in hip hop
Pivots are an essential element of jazz dance. Execute a pivot by stepping forward
with one foot, making sure both feet stay on the ground, and begin to turn from
 FUSION DANCE STYLES

LYRICAL DANCE Modern dance continually evolves, blending different dance forms like
contemporary and hip-hop or jazz-funk. Fusion styles showcase creativity and allow
A blend of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, lyrical dance
dancers to experiment with various elements from other genres.
focuses on conveying deep emotions through smooth
and flowing movements. It’s often performed to slow, Basic Techniques and Movements in Modern Dance
meaningful music. It is a style that combines ballet
• Warm-Up and Stretching: Prepares the body for movement, improving
technique with the freedom and musicality of jazz and contemporary dance. It's
flexibility and preventing injury.
usually danced at a faster pace than ballet but not as fast as jazz.
• Footwork and Body Isolations: Key for coordination, isolations are
Fundamental movement skills in lyrical dance include:
controlled movements of specific body parts, often used in hip-hop and
Fluid movements jazz.
Lyrical dance is characterized by flowing, graceful movements that are almost
• Fundamental Movements:
seamless, with little to no pauses.
✓ Contemporary: Rolls, contractions, and floorwork.
Emotional expression
Lyrical dance is a style that emphasizes emotional expression, with dancers using ✓ Jazz: Turns, leaps, and kicks.
their bodies to interpret the music's lyrics and melodies. ✓ Hip-Hop: Toprock, downrock, popping, and locking.

Contractions and releases ✓ Lyrical: Extensions, flowing arm movements, and jumps.
Dancers use contractions and releases to create dynamic movements that Practice and Performance Tips
punctuate the music's emotional beats.
✓ Listen to the Music: Feel the rhythm and emotion in the song, and let it
Lifts and partnering guide your movements.
Lyrical dance often incorporates lifts and partnering to create visually stunning
✓ Focus on Expression: Modern dance is about connecting with the music
moments.
and expressing yourself. Show emotion through facial expressions and body
language.
Body coordination
Good body coordination is important for lyrical dance. ✓ Be Confident and Open: Don’t be afraid to try new moves, even if they’re
challenging. Modern dance is about growth and personal expression.
Fall and recovery
This technique involves intentionally losing balance and then regaining stability.
Dancers use this technique to express vulnerability, resilience, and adaptability.
November 11, 2024- ACTIVITY: Modern Dance Video Analysis Written Assessment: Quiz

Reflection (Pass it on November 18, 2024) Final Performance: Group presentation of a short modern dance routine.

Instructions: Self-Assessment: Reflection paper on personal growth and experiences about

1. Choose a Modern Dance Video on YouTube: your group performance:
Select a YouTube video of a modern dance performance. You may choose
What style do you enjoy most, and why?
from popular choreographers, dance groups, or specific modern dance styles.
Here are a few examples of keywords to search: How does dance help you express yourself?
"Contemporary dance performance"
"Hip-hop dance choreography" What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
"Lyrical dance routine"
"Freestyle modern dance"
Note: Please copy and paste the YouTube link here so I can review the video.
2. Observe the Performance:
Watch the performance carefully. Pay attention to the dancers' movements,
expressions, formations, and the overall mood and theme of the dance.
3. Take Notes on Key Elements:
Write down observations about the following:
Dance style: What specific style(s) of modern dance are being used?
Choreography: How do the movements, formations, and timing enhance
the performance?
Music and Rhythm: How do the dancers interpret and respond to the
music?
Emotion and Expression: How do the dancers convey emotion through
their movements?
Costume and Setting: How do these elements contribute to the overall
atmosphere of the performance?
4. Reflect on the Performance:
Write a brief reflection (1-2 paragraphs) answering the following questions:
What did you enjoy most about the performance?
How did this dance style differ from traditional dance styles you may be
more familiar with?
What story or message do you think the dance was trying to convey?
5. Share Your Insights:
Write a reflection of at least five (5) sentences about the entire video.
Assessment on this topic: (to follow)