Modern Dance

We normally talk about ballet, jazz, or tap on this blog - but what about modern dance? Ballet Petite does offer a few classes in Modern Fusion and Lyrical for our older students. Modern Dance has always been a hot topic in the dance community and, as it has evolved, its own definition has evolved with it.

Developed in the early 20th century, Modern Dance began with traditional dancers experimenting with modern concepts such as the effect of lighting on movement. Martha Graham, one of the leaders in the field, founded the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1926. Her choreography, once a revolt against traditional dance, is now considered to be classic modern pieces. As modern dance companies look to expand their range and embrace ever-changing technology, the question becomes: how do they stay true to their form? This article in the Wall Street Journal, "Stepping Toward a Modern Future," addresses some of these concerns.

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