Modern Trends in Dance
It is quite difficult to characterize by few words such an artistically expressive phenomenon as dance. However, it is possible to depict several novice trends relevant for the dance today. Nowadays, modern dance is infused with the interpretive messages, where the performers are trying to incorporate a specific concept. The idea behind a specific performance may encapsulate a social, emotional, or artistic message that will be relevant for the contemporary viewers. For instance, the performance created by Alvin Ailey Dance Theater “Revelations” managed to explore the African-American history and incorporate a vivid expressive message into dance, which is still relevant for the modern public (Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtJzqfWOhCE). At the same time, the methods of expression in dance tend to return to its roots, when the performers use the most primitive dance techniques and move instinctively using their personal vision and improvisation. Today the dance is about focusing on the body weight to create movement instead of concentrating attention on the force of energy (Morton 213). Modern dance teachers emphasize the need to minimize the angular and oblique body movements during the performance and infuse it with the fluid and agile techniques of expression.
One of the biggest modern trends in dance is the use of vocals and creating a performance around the topic of a particular accompanying music by letting music and dance to merge. Also, dance is experiencing an infusion of other disciplines, including singing, sociology, and psychology (Morton 212). A multidisciplinary approach to dance is quite unusual, but today modern dance is all about the incorporation of a particular message relevant for the viewers or the dancers themselves. As to performers, it became more important to develop a signature dance style and perform solo instead of working with the group. Overall, modern dancers tend to use abstract performance techniques and create a unique style of dancing rather than relying on the classical heritage.
Contribution of History of Dance to its Future
It is impossible to devalue the impact of a history of dance on its future. While today dancers try to find new ways of expression and use the vanguard tendencies in performance, they still rely on the ballet steps developed many decades ago. In the past, modern dance was initiated as free form expression embodies by several professional ballet dancers who tried to oppose the rigid and fixed style of ballet. For instance, such well-known dancers as Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis fostered their unique style as opposed to the technical stiffness of the classical ballet (Preston 144). At the same time, it is essential to emphasize the role of history of classical ballet in the development of the future trends of dance. Ballet managed to evolve together with the relevant contemporary trends occurring in the world as well. For instance, in the 19th century, the ballet explores the romantic trends emerged in the art by creating romantic performances, where “La Sylphide” is the most vivid example (Preston 181; Lacotte https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFyxh2U1LX8).
In general, it is possible to draw parallels between the history of dance and modern tendencies. As in the past, dance performances today are affected by the changes in life and art, modern dancers try to capture relevant tendencies as their predecessors did. Consequently, the future developments will follow the same path by using the basis created by the past generations of dancers and infusing it with novice techniques, messages, and expressions. Dancers will continue to use the methods initiated by classical ballet, infuse emotional component into the performance, and explore the innovative techniques of dance.
References
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. “Revelations”. Online video clip. YouTube. 6 Jun. 2015. Web. 29 Jul. 2016. < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtJzqfWOhCE>
Lacotte. “La Sylphide”. Paris Opera Ballet. Online video clip. YouTube. 25 Sept. 2014. Web. 29 Jul. 2016. < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFyxh2U1LX8>
Morton, Jennie. “Voice and dance technique integration: triple threat or double trouble?” Voice and Speech Review 8.2 (2014): 212-216. Print
Preston, Carrie J. Modernism's Mythic Pose: Gender, Genre, Solo Performance. New York: Oxford UP, 2011. Print
