Modern – is free form and a break-free from the strict classical ballet technique, with movements that origin from the core of the body, contract and release, oppositions, weight transference, spirals, floor work, fall and recovery such as body drop, deep controlled movements, breathing rhythm to emphasise movement’s momentum, tilt lateral lines and improvisation. Some techniques are the Graham technique, Humphrey-Weidman technique and Horton technique.
Contemporary – Contemporary is a genre celebrated for its divergence from traditional styles, characterised by versatility, fluidity, spatial awareness, and individuality. Dancers blend techniques from various forms, incorporating ballet, modern dance, and even elements of street dance. This style encourages seamless and expressive movement, often involving floor work, intricate partner interactions, and creative use of space. Above all, it empowers dancers to infuse their unique style and emotions into performances, resulting in a dynamic and ever-evolving art form.
Lyrical – Lyrical dance is a genre that combines elements of ballet and jazz with a strong focus on conveying the emotions and narrative of a song’s lyrics through fluid and expressive movements. Dancers often use graceful and flowing motions to tell a story or evoke feelings, making it a style that beautifully blends technical precision with emotional connection to the music.
Jazz – is a highly energetic, creative and showy dance style which combines rhythm, expression and technique. Jazz uses waves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns; often executed with a strong sense of rhythm and musicality to create various routines across many different music. Great versatility and strong performance skills on the face and body is crucial to interpret the various jazz styles such classical jazz, commercial jazz, theatre/ broadway jazz or jazz funk. Some examples are Bob Fosse’s work such as Chicago, Cabaret and Sweet Charity and today’s musical Fame, Wicked, Grease and Hairspray.
Musical Theatre dance – Musical Theatre dance is a captivating art form that combines expressive storytelling through movement and character portrayal. The choreography is often a spectacle of technical prowess, featuring intricate footwork, formation changes, and striking ensemble work. The genre’s versatility allows for different styles, such as ballet, jazz, tap, and even hip-hop, depending on the era and context of the musical. Each dance number is not merely a display of technique but a means of character portrayal, effectively conveying the range of emotions and plot developments, making it an integral and visually engaging component of musical theatre productions.