Contemporary and Lyrical

Contemporary dance emerged from techniques used in ballet, jazz, and modern, the latter being a direct ancestor of contemporary dance. The pioneers of modern dance and jazz sought to break the moulds and expectations of traditional ballet dancing. Contemporary is less about a story or narrative, and seeks not only to entertain but also educate, challenge, and explore different movements. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding music and rhythm, the space around a dancer, and how to make technical classical lines different. Consequently, contemporary tends to be more avant garde, and makes use of themes and ideas rather than a clear story. Dancers are given a degree of freedom, through improvisation, for personal exploration within the movement. However, interpretations of classical lines are also included. Conceptualized dancing is also explored, with choreographers and dancers developing dance techniques, such as accents or patterns, into pieces in their own right.

Lyrical dance was originally known as lyrical jazz - an offshoot of jazz dance. It combines the techniques of ballet and the fluidity of jazz dance, and seeks to entertain through a clear storyline. An unique trait of lyrical is the emotional connection and storytelling brought to life by song lyrics. Lyrical dancers commit to the choreography but add breath and soul to the movement through personal interpretation. Routines tell a story that follows the lyrics of the music, with the lines and pictures created reflecting the emotions of the piece.