Ballet Dictionary: Modern Dance
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Style: Modern Dance
Modern Dance emerged in the early 20th century. Unlike traditional dancing, Modern Dance focuses more on interpretations and attitude towards dance rather than on a particular system or structured code of technique. The pioneers of Modern Dance wanted to break away from traditional ballet and hence the genre pushes beyond the rules and structured nature of Classical Ballet. Modern Dance is a style that is explorative, free form and favors a more relaxed approach. Much of the style stems from the core of the dancer and uses elements like emotions and improvisation. Another characteristic of Modern Dance is the use of gravity to enhance movement – a more grounded approach that also includes floor work, contraction and release, fall and recovery.
Dancers: Mark Sumaylo, Principal Dancer, and John Balagot, Soloist
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 2
