What is Contemporary Dance?

One of the questions we get asked all the time around here is 'What is Contemporary Dance ?' With lot's of different modern dance forms around, especially in the street and urban genres it can all be a bit confusing and not that easy to explain!

Contemporary dance has its origins in ballet and developed to give choreographers and performers a greater sense of freedom for the interpretation of emotion.  Contemporary technique combines many aspects of ballet, such as strong and controlled legwork, but also emphasises the use of the back and incorporates floorwork and has greater versatility, freedom and fluid movements for jumping and turning. ​

​At IAF we place the same emphasis on teaching contemporary as ballet, one form supports the other, and enables children to progress more quickly through the levels, while giving them wonderful creative and imaginative performance opportunities.