Always changing and ever-evolving, contemporary dance techniques encourage and reward creative freedom and artistic expression.
Contemporary Dance stems from the core, or torso, of the body and uses elements of contract, release, spiral, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation. This evolving style has fast become one of the most dominant genres for dancers throughout the world.
Created the well-known dancer, choreographer, philosopher, and Artistic Director of the Rambert School (from 1985–2015) Dr Ross McKim, our Contemporary dance syllabus is informed by Eastern concepts of subtle energy and draws influence from choreographers Graham, Hawkins and Cohan.
This syllabus aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of Contemporary dance technique and performance by approaching different movement themes at each level, specially created solos and the inclusion of structured improvisation to enable students to explore, develop and create their own movement vocabulary. We have developed three levels of the syllabus: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced 1.
Please note that our new Contemporary Specification document has replaced our Contemporary Syllabus Outline.
Recognised for their quality and excellence, Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Contemporary examinations level exams are available for all members to book. We are delighted to confirm that Advanced 1 level examinations will be available to members from 1 April 2023.
Please note that the lower age limit for Intermediate Foundation exam entries is 13 years old. Students must have passed the Intermediate Foundation exam before they are able to enter the Intermediate Level. Book your exam session online via Quest today.
If you’re starting out on your dance teaching journey or want to increase your repertoire, our new comprehensive contemporary dance class syllabus offers the necessary tools to deliver an informed and complete approach to teaching contemporary dance, helping your students feel inspired, challenged and empowered.
Teachers wishing to teach our Contemporary syllabus will need to attend one of our CPD courses, specifically designed to provide teachers with the insight and tools they need to teach this work to their students. Please note that syllabus resources are only available to purchase for those who have attended a course and include a DVD, CD and syllabus notes.
Contemporary dance history has its roots in the 20th century when American dancers rebelled against the strict rules of ballet in order to develop a more natural way of dancing.
What is called ‘Contemporary Dance’ in Britain grew out of the ‘Modern Dance’, which arose in Central Europe and the USA. Thus, important here, amongst others in Central Europe, were Rudolf Laban, Harold Kreutzbeg and later Mary Wigman and Kurt Joss. In the USA, there were Ruth St, Denis and Ted Shawn, Isadora Duncan and later Doris Humphrey, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Robert Cohan.
Testimonial
SHARON WATSON
NSCD CEO and Principal, choreographer of solo (Adv 1)
New Contemporary Dance Affiliate membership is available for teachers and professional dancers who are not already Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing members, allowing you to submit your students for our exams.
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