You’re drawn to the expressive power of Contemporary dance. You’ve devoured countless performances online and yearn to translate your emotions into movement. But how do you begin learning Contemporary dance at home, especially as a complete novice? This comprehensive guide provides the knowledge and resources you need to embark on your Contemporary dance journey.
What Defines Contemporary Dance?
Contemporary dance prioritizes self-expression, narrative, and freedom. While it draws inspiration from Ballet and Jazz, it transcends their rigid techniques, embracing a diverse movement vocabulary. Contemporary routines often incorporate elements of acrobatics, martial arts, yoga, and experimental movements reflecting the dancer’s inner landscape.
Why Choose Contemporary Dance?
Contemporary dance offers a profound connection between physicality and artistry. It empowers you to communicate emotions through nuanced and intentional movement, fostering body awareness and control. You’ll develop a keen sense of line and shape, enhancing your overall dance aesthetic.
Even if your background lies in Hip Hop, Popping, or House, incorporating Contemporary dance expands your creative potential, challenging you with novel movements and engaging underutilized muscles. Ready to start? Explore online beginner programs like STEEZY’s “Intro to Contemporary”.
Preparing for Your At-Home Contemporary Dance Practice
Attire for Contemporary Dance
Prioritize comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement. Loose-fitting tops, pants, or shorts are ideal.
While bare feet enhance floor connection, socks are recommended for carpeted or rough surfaces.
Creating Your Dance Space
Clear a 6ft by 6ft area free of obstacles and sharp edges to ensure safe movement and prevent injuries.
Preparing Your Body
Contemporary dance demands core strength and lower body stability. Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to exercises like planks, crunches, and single-leg balances.
Incorporate gentle yoga and stretching to enhance flexibility and range of motion. Always warm up with light cardio and stretching before each class.
Essential Elements of a Beginner Contemporary Dance Class
A quality beginner class should emphasize fundamental techniques, encourage exploration, and cultivate artistry. Look for classes that break down common moves like Chassés and Ball Changes, highlighting variations in execution for diverse effects. The same move can convey vastly different emotions depending on its speed and energy.
Seek instructors who prioritize individual expression and guide you to discover your unique movement style. Expect interactive sessions involving questions, freestyle, and improvisation. Platforms like STEEZY Studio offer immersive online programs that personalize the learning experience.
Key Tips for Aspiring Contemporary Dancers
Cultivating Body Awareness
Develop a strong mind-body connection through targeted exercises. Slow, controlled movements, like isolating and articulating each vertebra, enhance awareness of individual muscle groups. Explore creative exercises that challenge your spatial awareness and control.
Mastering Eye Contact and Chin Lines
Facial expressions are integral to storytelling in Contemporary dance. Experiment with different eye and chin angles to convey a range of emotions.
Subtle shifts can dramatically alter the emotional impact of a movement.
Exploring Laban Effort Qualities
Familiarize yourself with Laban Effort Qualities – Flow, Time, Weight, and Space – to expand your movement vocabulary. These qualities define how a movement is performed, adding layers of meaning and expression.
Prioritizing Safe Movement Practices
Pay close attention to your instructor’s demonstrations, especially for complex floorwork and jumps. Use your hands for support when transitioning to the floor, engage your core for stability, and land softly on the balls of your feet. Always prioritize proper form to prevent injuries.
Building a Foundation in Ballet and Jazz
Supplement your Contemporary training with beginner Ballet and Jazz classes. This strengthens your understanding of fundamental movements and their adaptations within Contemporary dance.
Journaling and Improvisation
Regular journaling helps connect your personal experiences to your dance. Record vivid memories and emotions to draw upon during performance. Improvisation encourages exploration, breaks habitual patterns, and unlocks new movement possibilities.
Conclusion
Learning Contemporary dance at home is achievable with the right resources and guidance. Embrace the journey, cultivate body awareness, and explore your unique movement vocabulary. Remember, your body already possesses a language of movement; Contemporary dance simply amplifies it. So, start dancing! Consider a free trial of STEEZY Studio to access structured learning programs.
