Training as an art form. Let’s understand the directions and benefits of modern dances

Music, rhythm, plasticity and precise movements are all part of dancing. There is a huge number of different styles that allow you to express your emotions. Some of them are hundreds, thousands of years old, and some have appeared recently. Modern choreography opens up space for creativity and gives the opportunity to choose any direction. In what are the most relevant now, we analyzed together with an expert.

choreographer, dancer and fitness trainer

“It is almost impossible to list all types of dances, we will tell about the main ones.”

Features of modern dances

Modern dance differs in many aspects from classical styles such as ballet. To the main differences can be attributed the technique of performance, energy of movements and musical accompaniment. Which, I guess, can already speak of a cardinal difference.

Modern dance usually uses a freer and more expressive technique than the same ballet, with an emphasis on emotional expression and contact improvisation. Also, modern dance may incorporate more varied musical styles and rhythms other than traditional classical music.

Why take dance training?

The emphasis of training is often on working deep muscles, which helps to strengthen the muscular corset and improve balance. Many dance elements require quite good physical strength, which is worked out in classes.

In addition, classes of this kind develop coordination, flexibility and plasticity of the body. It is equally important to note that any form of physical activity, including dance and fitness, helps to maintain overall health and muscle tone.

Attending dance classes stimulates inspiration, improves mood and allows for creative expression. The relationship between physical and emotional health is very clear.

Who can and cannot dance?

Almost everyone can engage in modern dance, except people with medical contraindications, for example, with serious problems with joints or cardiovascular system.

You can dance at any age, but it is important to choose classes that are appropriate to your level of fitness and physical ability to avoid injury and overexertion. The variety of levels and pace of training allows everyone to find the right option and enjoy the learning process.

The main directions of modern dance

Each of the existing directions offers unique opportunities for creativity, they involve different aspects of music, technique and style.

To tell about everything will be very difficult, so we will turn to the main ones.

• Contemporari. This style is characterized by expressiveness and expressiveness of movements, includes elements of different directions. And the basis is improvisation, including contact, that is, with a partner. This allows the dancer to freely interpret the music and express emotions through the body.
• Jazz-funk. A mixture of jazz, ballet and hip-hop, this style of dance is characterized by energetic movements and an emphasis on musicality. You may have seen it in many pop stars’ concerts. There’s also a lot of improvisation, building on the feel of the music.
• Jazz-modern. The combination of jazz technique with modern elements creates an expressive and graceful style. Such dance is often used to express emotions and explore movements that are free and plastic in nature.
• Hip Hop. A street style of dance that includes sharp and clear elements linked in combinations and performed at a fast pace. The main emphasis here is on rhythm, freedom, liberation and freestyle (improvisation).
• Breakdance. This is one of the varieties of street dance, which includes acrobatic elements, stances, tricks. Here most of the movements are performed in the parterre, that is, on the floor.
• Vogue. Modeling poses and walking down the runway as part of the dance. Yes, yes, you got it right! This direction requires a game of emotions, flamboyant gait, rotations and elements of the fall, all this is accompanied by fast and clear hand movements.
• High heels. Do you like to wear heels? You can also dance in them. Of course, special reinforced shoes are used for choreography, not ordinary stilettos. This direction reveals female energy, passion and sensuality.

How to learn to dance?

To learn to dance, it is important to decide on the desired style that matches your preferences and interests. Research different directions through available resources on the internet, find video lessons and recordings of performances.

Once you have decided on a direction, find dance schools or studios that offer training that suits you. Try several teachers and choose the one you feel comfortable learning with, also pay attention to the effectiveness of the classes. One of the useful methods of self-improvement is to record your training on video, this will help you monitor and analyze your progress.

If you want to develop in this area, and not just try “for yourself”, we recommend attending battles, festivals, competitions. The more experience you have, the more progress you will make. It’s important to stay motivated and keep practicing regularly, attending master classes and studying the work of dance masters through available resources. The main rule – do not stop learning and improving!

Is it possible to learn to dance at home?

Nothing is impossible, so you can improve your dancing skills at home, but the best option for beginner dancers is to attend classes with professional teachers in dance studios.

A qualified choreographer will be able to provide the necessary guidance, correct technique and help develop skill. Also, the advantage of taking classes in a studio will be the opportunity to watch other dancers and be inspired by their performances.

At home, you can practice and improve your skills by rehearsing and correcting mistakes. There are many online courses and video tutorials available in today’s online space, which can also be useful for learning dance directions on your own.

If you have a fire in your heart and you want to express it in dance, there is no need to limit yourself. Choose a direction, sign up for dance classes and start your way in the bright world of choreography.