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Overview of Contemporary Dance Techniques

Nov 7, 2024

Lecture Notes: Countdown for Amidans

Introduction

  • Presenter: Mr. Felmar Villabanco, Andres Bonifacio Campus
  • Topic: Countdown for Amidans
  • Objectives:
    • Define contemporary dance
    • Distinguish types and techniques of contemporary dance
    • Create a dance routine

What is Contemporary Dance?

  • Expressive dance technique
  • Combines modern, jazz, lyrical dances
  • Performing art involving rhythmic movement
  • Breaks away from classical ballet's strict posture and movement

History of Contemporary Dance

  • Emerged in the 1950s
  • Originated as a reaction against classical ballet constraints
  • Pioneered by Martha Graham
    • Introduced free movement and gravity use
    • Rejected strict ballet techniques and costumes

Contemporary Dance in the Philippines

  • Post World War II: Creative exploration
  • Formation of Barangay Polk Dance Troupe
  • Key Figures:
    • Rosa Guginko: Filipino national artist
    • Remedios Leoteza: Famous choreographer
    • The "Big Three" in Philippine Dance:
      • Alice Reyes: National Artist, promoter of contemporary dance
      • Liza Macuja-Elizalde: Founded Ballet Manila, recognized globally
      • Douglas Nieras: Prominent media personality and jazz choreographer

Modern vs. Contemporary Dance

  • Modern Dance:
    • Codified, specific style and movements
    • Focuses on technique, uses traditional music
  • Contemporary Dance:
    • Non-codified, incorporates various styles
    • Emphasizes expression and emotion

Techniques in Contemporary Dance

  1. Cunningham Technique:
    • Named after Merce Cunningham
    • Focuses on form, coordination, and rhythmic accuracy
  2. Graham Technique:
    • Named after Martha Graham
    • Uses abdominal and pelvic contractions
  3. Limon Technique:
    • Named after Jose Limon
    • Explores energy use and gravity
  4. Release Technique:
    • Emphasizes minimizing tension for fluidity
  5. Improvisation Technique:
    • Focuses on movement investigation and performance

Types of Contemporary Dance

  • Contemporary Ballet: Combines classical ballet and modern dance
  • Dance Improvisation: Movement creation without pre-planning
  • Interpretative Dance: Expresses emotions or stories through movement
  • Lyrical Dance: Combines ballet and jazz with emotional expression

Elements of Contemporary Dance

  1. Theme: Inspiration and motive for the dance
  2. Design: Movement patterns in time and space
  3. Movement: Bodily actions, locomotor and non-locomotor
  4. Technique: Skills of movement execution
  5. Music: Sets mood and beat for dance
  6. Costume and Body Paraphernalia: Reflects message and customs
  7. Choreography: Organized dance steps
  8. Scenery: Enhances mood and realism

Contemporary Dance Vocabulary

  • Parallel Full Position: Feet positioning techniques
  • Demi Points: Weight on balls of feet
  • Contraction: Torso mobility, popularized by Martha Graham
  • Release: Muscle tension release
  • Roll Down: Spine exercise
  • Jump and Support: Various forms of balanced movements

Benefits of Contemporary Dance

  • Aerobic training improves power and endurance
  • Enhances physical skills and health habits
  • Builds confidence, emotional stability, and creative thinking

Class Activity

  • Create a 2-3 minute contemporary dance routine
  • Wear appropriate costume
  • Activity graded based on provided rubrics

Presenters: Mr. Felmar Villabanco, Mr. Renzon Roncalis, Ms. Cruz, Ms. Marsa Dorano

Thank you for listening!

Full transcript