Contemporary Ballet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Contemporary ballet is a form of dance influenced by both classical ballet and modern dance. It takes its technique and use of Pointe work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique. Many of its concepts come from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floor work and turn-in of the legs.

Contemporary Ballet Class Description
Based on methods created for California Contemporary Ballet, the resident company of California DanceArts in La Canada, California.

The contemporary ballet barre is designed to free the body and focus the mind within a typical ballet class structure. The contemporary barre highlights full physical motion and coordination of the all the joints with emphasis on the motion of the spine. As the barre work progresses from plies to grand-battements, many exercises are performed on center and then off center preparing the dancer for off center movement. It is important that student already has a sense of center and therefore our Contemporary Ballet class is open only to upper level ballet students and adults with sufficient classical ballet training.

The class is designed to teach the dancer how to incorporate the fluidity of the whole body and graduate from pure classical shapes to an inverted tilt, askewed hips and legs in a contemporary manner. By performing these exercises both center and off center and including the freedom of the torso, hips, and legs, the ballet dancer best transitions from barre to floor and to stage, where contemporary ballet has become so prevalent.

During the last half of the class, students are given contemporary choreography, adagio or allegro routines across the floor and in the center by adding waltzes, pirouettes and contemporary motions that provide freedom of the body and motion. The class is finished with a reverence. Pointe shoes are optional but highly encouraged for those wishing to dance En Pointe. This class is suitable for Int-Adv dancers that are at CDA level 5+.

Contemporary Ballet is held on Monday 6:30-8:00pm


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