modern dance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, artistic
Quick answer
What does “modern dance” mean?
A genre of theatrical dance that emerged in the early 20th century, rejecting the conventions of classical ballet in favour of expressive, individualistic movement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genre of theatrical dance that emerged in the early 20th century, rejecting the conventions of classical ballet in favour of expressive, individualistic movement.
A broad and evolving category of concert dance characterized by a focus on natural movement, expression of inner feelings, and experimentation with form, rhythm, and space. It often incorporates techniques from various pioneers and schools, such as those of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Lester Horton.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly stronger historical association with American pioneers (e.g., Graham, Cunningham) in American usage, while British usage may more immediately reference later European developments or the British modern dance tradition.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within artistic and educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “modern dance” in a Sentence
[Subject] studied/performed/choreographed modern dancea [Adjective] piece/company of modern dancethe [Noun] of modern dance (e.g., history, technique, influence)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modern dance” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a very modern-dance sensibility in her choreography.
- The festival had a distinct modern-dance focus.
American English
- Her aesthetic is deeply modern-dance in its origins.
- They run a modern-dance intensive every summer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in contexts related to arts funding, venue management, or educational course listings.
Academic
Common in dance history, performance studies, and arts criticism. Used with precise historical and technical definitions.
Everyday
Used by general public, but often conflated with 'contemporary dance'. Understanding of specific techniques or history may be limited.
Technical
Core term in dance pedagogy and criticism. Refers to specific techniques (Graham, Limón, Horton), movement principles (contraction, release, fall and recovery), and historical lineage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modern dance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modern dance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modern dance”
- Using 'modern dance' interchangeably with all 'contemporary' or 'recent' dance styles.
- Confusing it specifically with 'jazz dance' or 'lyrical dance', which are related but distinct genres.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Modern dance' typically refers to the specific techniques and philosophies that developed from the early to mid-20th century (e.g., Graham, Cunningham). 'Contemporary dance' is a broader, more current term that builds upon and reacts to modern dance, often incorporating elements from other genres and focusing on current artistic inquiries.
Historically, many modern dance pioneers explicitly rejected ballet. Today, while not a strict prerequisite, ballet training is very common and provides a strong technical foundation for dancers in many modern and contemporary techniques.
Key characteristics include a focus on expressive, individualistic movement; use of the torso and floor work; bare feet; rejection of ballet's strict codification; and an emphasis on conveying emotion, narrative, or abstract ideas.
Key figures include Martha Graham (US), Merce Cunningham (US), Doris Humphrey (US), Lester Horton (US), Mary Wigman (Germany), and Pina Bausch (Germany, though her work is often categorized as Tanztheater, which evolved from modern dance).
A genre of theatrical dance that emerged in the early 20th century, rejecting the conventions of classical ballet in favour of expressive, individualistic movement.
Modern dance is usually formal, academic, artistic in register.
Modern dance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒd.ən ˈdɑːns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.dɚn ˈdæns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MODERN dance as MOVing away from the DERN (an old-fashioned word) rules of ballet.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANCE IS A LANGUAGE (modern dance 'speaks' of emotion and ideas); THE BODY IS AN INSTRUMENT (for expression in modern dance).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key technical principle associated with Martha Graham's style of modern dance?