As a performance-based art form, dance is used to express a wide variety of emotions and themes. Contemporary and lyrical dance are two relatively modern styles that are often grouped together despite featuring distinct differences. If your child has expressed interest in dance, learn more about these styles here to help place your little dancer in the right class. 

Contemporary

Different styles blend together in contemporary dance, including ballet and jazz. It is often performed barefoot and focuses on fluid movements to portray strong emotion rather than rigid or proper technique. The dancers leap, jump, and use the floor to convey different messages, all while keeping their bodies relatively loose and fluid. 

Contemporary dance creators such as Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan wanted to break away from the rigidity of other styles, and instead encouraged their students to move freely and express themselves in new and different ways. Despite the “structureless” form, contemporary dance requires strength and skill to leap through the air or fall on the floor without sustaining injuries. This dance form continues to evolve, often incorporating elements from international styles, such as African or Indian dance. 

Lyrical 

Like contemporary dance, lyrical dance uses jazz and ballet styles to create fluid routines that express different feelings. However, the movements are usually in time with the music, unlike contemporary dances that are not always rhythmic. As with ballet, technique is essential to the lyrical style for seamless transitions from one movement to the next. Lyrical routines are considered faster than ballet but slower than jazz. 

While contemporary dance routines are often improvised, lyrical dances are not. Instead, the dancer learns the routine and then customizes it to suit the emotions they want to express. For example, one dancer might express anger during a routine, while another might perform the exact same routine, but convey an entirely different emotion, such as hope. As a result, no two lyrical performances are the same.

Whether contemporary or lyrical dance is right for your child, consider classes from New Hampshire Academie of Dance. Since 1969, the studio has provided children throughout the Greater Derry and Londonderry areas with lessons in an encouraging environment led by positive, experienced instructors. Call the family-oriented studio today at (603) 432-4041 with questions or visit the website for information about classes offered. Be sure to get the latest updates on Facebook.