Learning a new dancing genre is not only about understanding technique, movement, performance, and bodywork. It is also about learning about its background, history, influences, and more.
If you want to learn contemporary dance, you should also learn about the trajectory of the people who shaped it during this century and before.
This dynamic genre emerged from the bold creativity of a select few dancers who dared to challenge convention, blending life, music, movement, and expression into a fluid art form. Today, contemporary dance transcends borders, gracing stages, screens, and ballrooms worldwide for its adaptability and aesthetic allure.
From its rebellious origins to its current global prominence, contemporary dance continues to evolve, pushing boundaries with each new iteration. Join us in celebrating the pioneers of contemporary (modern and postmodern) dancers such as Martha Graham, Mercier Cunningham, Isadora Duncan, Erick Hawkins, Katherine Dunham, Charles Weidman, Kyle Abraham, Francesca Harpe, Robert Garland, Claudia Schreier, and Amy Hall Garner, and how their artistry and contributions enrich the diverse tapestry of human expression through movement.
The Top 6 American Contemporary Dancers
Contemporary dance is becoming more and more popular across the world and it is highly popular in the United States and Europe. The most famous performers come from either Europe or America because it is where this genre was mostly developed.
Come discover alongside us as we explore the top 6 contemporary dancers in the United States:
1. Martha Graham
Born in Pennsylvania in 1894, Martha Graham danced and taught for over seventy years.
Martha is one of the most influential dancers of the genre. She was a dancer, choreographer, and teacher and is most popular for developing different movements of contracting and releasing from emotion. Nowadays, the academy of Martha Graham is one of the oldest in the country.
2. Mercier Cunningham
Born in Centralia, Washington in 1919. Merce was a pioneer in the dance industry for more than 50 years.
Mercier (Merce) Cunningham is an American dancer and choreographer who was at the forefront of American modern dance for more than 50 years. Cunningham broke away from the structures developed by his mentor and created his own methods, leaving a lasting impression on the genre.
3. Isadora Duncan
A California native born in 1877, Isadora Duncan was an acclaimed dancer throughout world.
Isadora's work is one of the most recognized in the history of contemporary dance. Duncan broke the rules of classical dance, movements, steps, positions, and everything that was established. From the age of 22, she showcased her talent in contemporary dance throughout the US, Europe and Soviet Russia.
4. Erick Hawkins
Born in 1909, Erick Hawkins became known for his techniques and choreography in modern-dance.
Hawkins was awarded the National Medal of Arts due to his important work as a dancer. He began his studies in classical dance and soon became interested in modern dance. He was a dancer of the American Ballet and Ballet Caravan where he performed his first choreography “Show Piece”.
5. Katherine Dunham
Born in 1909, Katherine is known as one of the most successful dancers of the 20th century.
Katherine Dunham, better known as the mother of modern Afro-American dance, was a pioneer in the contemporary dance genre. She shocked the industry as an American dancer and choreographer with her style and technique. Her methods are still standing today and are one of the most important foundations in modern dance in the United States.
6. Charles Weidman
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1901, Weidman was a pioneer in dance and helped shape the contemporary dance style.
Charles Weidman, celebrated as both a dancer and choreographer, is a key figure in the evolution of modern dance. His innovative contributions and pioneering spirit have left an enduring impact on the art form, shaping its development and inspiring generations of dancers and choreographers.
Learning about the history of this genre and its' pioneers will help you understand many aspects and learn much faster. Knowing who are the artists, performers, and choreographers who developed the genre is important because it will make you understand the different techniques, movements and styles of the genre.
Modern Contemporary Dancers Making Their Mark
Aside from Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and all the icons in contemporary dance, there are plenty of dancers who continue to leave a mark in the genre.
This is a genre that continues to be innovated and is filled with choreographers and performers who add their stamp to the genre. Below, you'll find a list of the performers who continue to innovate this form of art on stage and with beautiful choreography:
1. Kyle Abraham
Kyle Abraham is a contemporary dancer and choreographer, celebrated for his fusion of diverse movement styles and compelling narratives. From Pennsylvania, his work draws from classical music, visual art, and urban culture, showcasing fluidity, athleticism, and emotional depth. With numerous accolades and global recognition, Abraham's innovative approach continues to shape the contemporary dance scene, inspiring audiences worldwide.
2. Francesca Harper
With roots in classical ballet and a diverse background in theater and film, Harper's work is marked by its blend of genres and exploration of social themes. Based in New York City, she has earned acclaim for her fearless artistry and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. As both a performer and creator, Francesca Harper continues to inspire audiences with her unique voice and groundbreaking contributions to the world of dance.
3. Robert Garland
Robert Garland is distinguished for his remarkable talent as both a dancer and choreographer. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 1983, Garland honed his craft through an apprenticeship at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of dancers through his teaching. His contributions to the art form are further celebrated by his historic achievement as the first Black choreographer to create a piece for The Royal Ballet of London, a testament to his legacy in the dance world.
4. Claudia Schreier
Claudia Schreier is a visionary contemporary dancer and choreographer whose work shines with precision and elegance. Emerging from a classical ballet background, Schreier infuses her choreography with a modern sensibility, creating dynamic and visually stunning performances. She is celebrated for her ability to blend classical technique with innovative movement vocabulary.
5. Amy Hall Garner
A graduate of Juilliard, Amy's choreography transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending classical techniques with contemporary flair. Her performances are a testament to her artistry, inviting audiences into a world where every step tells a story.
All of the names above are highly recognized in the dancer community, not only among contemporary dancers, but also ballet, classical, and more. Their impact goes far beyond their respective genres, serving as sources of inspiration for dancers across styles. Whether gracing the prestigious stages of classical ballet or pushing boundaries in the dynamic realm of contemporary dance, these individuals have made lasting impressions, shaping the very essence of dance culture.
Learn Contemporary Dance with Superprof
To find a contemporary dance tutor, you first have to establish some factors that will make your search much easier.
- Define your level: Knowing which level you're at will help you find a tutor because you can filter out those who don't teach at your level!
- Establish your budget: Having a defined budget is important because you can search based on rates per hour.
- Determine your location: Decide if you want to prioritize online or in-person tutoring.
- Focus on your subject: To find a tutor you also need to know more about the subject, for instance, what techniques you want to learn, or what line of art you're interested in.
- Define your goals: When you are searching for a tutor it's best to tell them what your objectives and goals are.
Learning to master a new dancing genre is not easy and takes time, which is why signing up for a contemporary dance lesson on Superprof will be beneficial for you!
Unlock your full potential with Superprof to master learning contemporary dance. Our expert instructors provide personalized guidance tailored to your goals, ensuring rapid progress and profound artistic development. Experience the transformative power of dance with Superprof – bringing you closer to your dancing goals.
From mastering intricate choreography to honing your own unique style, our platform offers the resources and support you need to thrive as a dancer. Start your Superprof lessons today and embark on a journey of contemporary dance.
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