CONTEMPORARY
DANCE

Contemporary dance emerged in the 1950’s , after the modern movement and post-modern movement, combining elements of modern dance and classical ballet.

An unprecedented interest of the academic study in Contemporary dance swept across Britain in the past three decades and it’s popularity is still growing . This development and demand is visible in theatres, television and film. As teachers, it is our responsibility to enable our students to appreciate and understand this art form alongside their traditional classical studies and other modern styles, whilst enriching their experiences as practitioners of dance and contributing greatly to their understanding of the performing arts in the 20th century.

The National Association of Teachers of Dancing was the first awarding organisation to offer a graded syllabus. The NATD syllabus relates to the work of three pioneering choreographers of our time, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Jose Limon. It employs contact work between dancers, release technique, fall and recovery, floorwork and improvisation, creative freedom and provides an excellent basic knowledge for pupils, that can take them confidently as dancers to a degree level standard, or support their understanding of choreography required in todays dance work place.

The NATD regularly runs teacher training courses for the Contemporary Syllabus. If you would like more information about these courses, please visit our events and training page.