CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASSES

Explore the natural energy and emotions through this unique dance style...

History of CONTEMPORARY Dance

Contemporary dance is a style of dance that emerged in the 20th century as an outgrowth of modern dance and other 20th century dance techniques. Defining this style of dance can be difficult, as contemporary dance is an extremely fluid and very nebulous style of dance. Unlike traditions such as ballet, contemporary dance is not associated with specific dance techniques, but rather with a dance philosophy. In contemporary dance, people attempt to explore the natural energy and emotions of their bodies to produce dances which are often very personal. Some notable names in the field of contemporary dance include: Martha Graham, Trisha Brown, and Merce Cunningham. Contemporary dancers can come from any training background, ranging from classical ballet to break dancing, and they integrate bodywork techniques such as yoga and pilates into their dance, along with systems such as the Alexander Method. Contemporary dance places a heavy emphasis on the connection between mind and body, with dancers being encouraged to explore their emotions through dances which push against traditional boundaries. This style of dance often involves a great deal of playing with balance, floorwork, fall and recovery, and improvisation.

Register Now! Learn fun contemporary dance routines from the best American contemporary dance faculty this summer at our summer dance training camps!

Contemporary Dance at ADTC Overnight Camps

Our top-notch contemporary dance instructors help students learn to use their bodies in a variety of ways, and they focus on breathing, posture, and emotional state to establish mind-body connection. Campers learn choreographed works, and they are encouraged to improvise as well. A contemporary dance piece may take the form of a personal narrative, an allegory, a commentary on society, or an integration of cultures, and it can feature a wide variety of dance techniques, reflecting the melting pot nature of contemporary dance.

Contemporary Dance at ADTC ULTIMATE Overnight Camps

The four core dance classes at our ULTIMATE Overnight Dance Camps are in hip hop, jazz dance, Broadway dance & contemporary or lyrical. Contemporary dance is offered as one of the four core classes at select session-weeks, but when contemporary is not offered as a core class, there is always a contemporary dance elective in which campers can choose to participate and learn an additional performance piece for the Friday Night Show. Click an ADTC ULTIMATE camp location below for more details!

Contemporary Dance at ADTC Overnight Jazz Dance INTENSIVES

Jazz dance is the main focus at our Jazz Dance INTENSIVES. Since we consider contemporary dance a sub-dance-style of modern jazz dance, contemporary jazz classes are offered at these INTENSIVE camps. Our INTENSIVE Jazz Dance Camps differ from our ULTIMATE Overnight Dance Camps only in that the dancing focuses on jazz dance styles alone (as compared to jazz in combination with other dance styles like hip hop, Broadway and lyrical). At our Jazz Dance INTENSIVES, campers take four dance classes per day that explore the many variations of jazz, including contemporary jazz. Click on an ADTC INTENSIVE location below for more details (we even offer a special TEEN TRAVEL session where campers get to spend one week at each ADTC Jazz INTENSIVE and travel with our awesome staff between locations):

ADTC Contemporary Dance Instructors

Here are just some of our amazing Contemporary Dance Instructors (click a picture to read bio):

Custom Contemporary Dance Camps & Custom Jazz Dance Choreography

American Dance Training Camp offers a team of renowned contemporary dance instructors worldwide who teach at our ULTIMATE and INTENSIVE dance camps. Our contemporary dance instructors can also choreograph pieces for that big recital, competition or event you have coming up &/or travel to your studio, school or private location for customized boot camps!

Complete our custom camp/choreography questionnaire if you are interested in a Custom Contemporary Dance Camp or Custom Contemporary Choreography with one of our amazing Contemporary Instructors; your responses will help us to better understand your needs. Conversations with your personal Camp Designer &/or ADTC Instructor will follow as you refine your camp &/or choreography needs together.

Are YOU the Next ADTC Dance Idol?!

Our April 2010 Dance Idol Competition is underway! Do YOU have what it takes? Here's how to participate:

1. Become our fan on Facebook:

2. Upload your dance videos to our Facebook page

3. Vote on your favorite videos

Competition Rules: All dances must be less than 3 minutes long (ANY dance style). Participants must indicate whether they choreographed the dance themselves (if not, you must give credit to the original choreographer). American Dance Idol has three categories: group dances (3 + dancers); pair dances (2 dancers) and solo dances (1 dancer).

Prizes: In each category, first runners-up receive a $25 iTunes gift certificate; and winners receive an iPod Nano (plus the chance to have their dance video, bio and an interview featured on the ADTC website!)