Modern Dancing is a highly energetic dance style which defies a single permanent definition. This is largely due to its ability to adapt, develop and evolve with the changing fashion in dance. Modern dancing can be performed to many different types of music and therefore, there are lots of styles within modern dance such as contemporary, lyrical, blues, jazz, isolations, musical theatre and increasingly commercial/street, all of which can be seen in music videos, on TV programs, at pop concerts and in theatre shows. Modern dancing is exciting because of the wide and ever-growing range of contrasting elements.
The whole body is used in modern dance to tell a story or depict an idea and travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns are included, so modern dancers need to be fit, flexible and strong. Modern dance technique is derived from classical ballet and so we strongly recommend that children who wish to learn modern at higher levels also take weekly ballet classes.
As in all dance styles, rhythm is important in modern dancing to make it interesting, varied and often, surprising, so learning tap dancing alongside modern is advisable, especially at lower levels.