Two Terms, Two Very Different Things
The terms “contemporary dance” and “modern dance” are often used interchangeably by parents and even by some dance schools — but in the world of dance, they refer to distinct traditions with different histories, aesthetics, and techniques. Understanding the difference helps you make sense of what your child is actually learning.
What Is Modern Dance?
Modern dance is a specific historical movement that emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a deliberate rejection of the rigid conventions of classical ballet. Pioneered by American and European choreographers including Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, José Limón, and Laban Rudolf von Laban, modern dance rebelled against the turnout, pointe shoes, and stylised positions of classical ballet in favour of natural movement, gravity, the floor, and emotional expression.
By the mid-twentieth century, modern dance had developed its own codified techniques — most notably the Graham technique (centered on contraction and release of the torso) and the Humphrey-Limón technique (built around fall, recovery, and suspension). These are still taught today as distinct syllabi, just as RAD or Cecchetti are syllabi for classical ballet.
In the UK and many other countries, “modern” at a dance school often refers specifically to a theatrical modern or stage dance curriculum — often examined through ISTD or RAD modern theatre syllabi — which is a separate stream from classical ballet and includes elements of jazz and theatre dance.
What Is Contemporary Dance?
Contemporary dance is not a specific technique but a broader, ongoing practice. It emerged from modern dance in the 1950s and 60s — particularly through the Judson Dance Theater in New York, which stripped dance down to its most basic elements — and has continued to evolve ever since. Contemporary dance draws on ballet, modern, jazz, release technique, somatic practices (such as Body-Mind Centering), improvisation, and physical theatre.
There is no single “contemporary technique” the way there is a Graham technique or a Cecchetti technique. Contemporary training typically involves exposure to multiple movement systems. The emphasis is on individual expression, conceptual thinking, collaboration, and physical versatility rather than mastery of a fixed style.
Professional contemporary dance companies — such as Rambert, DV8 Physical Theatre, and Akram Khan Company — each have highly distinctive artistic vocabularies. A dancer trained in contemporary dance needs to be adaptable, articulate about movement, and physically fluid across a wide range of styles.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Modern Dance | Contemporary Dance |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Late 19th – early 20th century | Mid-20th century, ongoing |
| Structure | Specific codified techniques (Graham, Limón) | No single technique; pluralistic |
| Relationship to ballet | A reaction against it | Often incorporates it alongside other forms |
| Floor work | Central to most modern techniques | Varies; often extensive |
| Shoes | Bare feet, jazz shoes, or foot thongs | Bare feet most common; varies |
| Taught at exam level | Yes — ISTD, RAD modern theatre syllabi | Usually non-syllabus or higher-level only |
What Do Dance Schools Actually Teach?
At a typical RAD or ISTD-affiliated dance school in the UK:
- Ballet follows the RAD or ISTD classical syllabus
- Modern typically refers to ISTD modern theatre or a similar syllabus — it has a specific syllabus with grades and examinations
- Contemporary may be offered as a separate class, usually from secondary school age, and draws on release technique, improvisation, and contemporary choreography
If you are unsure which style your child is enrolled in, ask the school which syllabus (if any) applies and whether there are examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is contemporary dance harder than ballet?
They are different rather than harder or easier. Ballet has a highly codified technique with precise requirements for every position and movement. Contemporary dance requires physical versatility and the ability to work across multiple movement systems. Both demand years of training and significant physical conditioning.
Can a ballet student also study contemporary?
Absolutely — and it is encouraged. Classical ballet training provides excellent physical foundations (strength, flexibility, body awareness) that support contemporary dance. Many professional contemporary dancers trained in classical ballet first. The two are highly complementary.
What should my child wear for contemporary dance?
Contemporary dance is typically done in bare feet. Fitted dance clothing — a leotard, shorts, or stretchy dance trousers — allows the teacher to see alignment. Unlike classical ballet, contemporary does not usually require a specific uniform, though each school may have preferences. See our guide: Contemporary Dance Outfits.