Modern Dance is a style of dance that people have trouble explaining. The term 'Modern Dance' does not mean the kind of dance that is 'modern' or 'popular' right now. Dancing at parties is not modern dance. Although you may see some of those moves in modern dances.
	Modern Dance is not new. It began in the early 1900s in the USA. Isadora Duncan was the first modern dancer. In 1915, a married couple started the first Modern Dance School. It was located in Los Angles and was called Denishawn.
		This type of dance is different than ballet, but you may use ballet moves. Although the dance techniques aren't the same, they warm up in the same ways. Modern Dancers dance to instrumental, jazz, or popular music. One of the biggest differences between other dance styles and Modern dance is that modern dancers dance in barefoot. Or they wear 'Jazz Shoes'. Another difference is how they use the torso (middle of the body) which is how they express themselves. Modern Dancers always try to find new ways to move. They also like to make up their own dances, also known as choreography.
Most modern dancers wear loose fitting clothing such as sweat suits, loose pants or sport shorts, T-Shirts or tank tops, and dance in bare feet or socks. You also wear knee pads occasionally while working on floor moves continuously.
	It is important to stretch your muscles before you start class. Stretching helps increase your range of motion and avoid injuries. No matter which stretches you decide to do, never push yourself beyond a reasonable limit. If your muscles are tight, stretching can be uncomfortable. Never stretch or hold a stretch if you feel severe pain. Pain is your bodies way of telling you that you are not stretching properly and comfortably.
Doing Modern Dance can help you become strong and healthy. You will build muscles. If you dance often enough you will see that you loose weight too. Some dancers try to loose too much weight. That only hurts their bodies and their ability to perform well.
Home	Tap	Ballet