How to Be Contemporary Dancer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Contemporary dance is an art form that has been growing in popularity in recent years. It is a combination of ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques and is often used to express emotion or tell a story. The effects of contemporary dance can be seen in many aspects of everyday life.

The physical benefits include improved posture, balance, and coordination. In addition, contemporary dance requires intense focus and mental concentration, which can improve cognitive abilities and increase self-confidence. Furthermore, the creative expression that comes with choreography can be a powerful outlet for emotions and stress.

Finally, the collaborative nature of contemporary dance encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. As a result, contemporary dance has become a popular art form with many positive impacts on individuals and communities alike.

Steps How to Become

Take dance classes. Learn the fundamentals of contemporary dance by taking classes from a reputable dance studio or school. Look for classes specifically in contemporary dance, as well as classes in other forms of dance that can help you develop the skills you need, such as ballet and jazz.
Learn proper technique. Pay attention to the technical aspects of contemporary dance, including body placement, alignment and the use of space. Good technique is essential for acheiving fluidity of movement and the highest level of artistry.
Practice on your own. Developing your skills in contemporary dance does not always require a class setting. Take the time to practice on your own, either in your living room or a studio space.
Find a mentor. Working with a mentor is a great way to learn more about contemporary dance, develop your skills and gain insight from someone who has already achieved success in the field.
Build relationships with other dancers. Networking with other dancers is an important part of becoming a successful contemporary dancer. Attend dance classes, competitions and workshops to meet like-minded individuals and build relationships that could help you along the way.
Hone your performance skills. Create a performance portfolio and practice performing in front of an audience to develop your stage presence and performance skills.
Audition for companies. Look for audition opportunities with professional contemporary dance companies or modern dance troupes. Auditioning is a great way to gain experience and further develop your skills as a dancer.

Learning to be an ideal and capable contemporary dancer takes dedication, hard work, and practice. To build a strong foundation in this art form, it is important to learn the fundamentals such as body alignment, posture, coordination, flexibility, and strength. Taking classes with experienced instructors is essential for honing technique and understanding the nuances of contemporary dance.

From there, it is important to practice on a regular basis to develop muscle memory, refine technique, and increase stamina. It is also beneficial to watch other dancers and performances to gain insight into different styles and techniques. With consistent practice, a dancer can develop their own unique style, become comfortable with improvisation, and express themselves through movement.

With the right attitude and commitment, anyone can become an ideal and capable contemporary dancer.

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Job Description

Teach classes in contemporary dance techniques
Choreograph and perform dances for various events
Mentor and guide students in their development as dancers
Develop interactive classes and workshops
Collaborate with directors, writers, and costumers to create performances
Research new techniques and styles in contemporary dance
Participate in auditions and castings
Create and maintain a professional portfolio
Remain informed of industry trends, techniques, and developments
Participate in networking events to build relationships within the dance industry

Skills and Competencies to Have

Balance and Coordination
Flexibility and Strength
Musicality and Rhythm
Knowledge of Various Dance Styles
Knowledge of Choreography
Understanding of Anatomy
Core Body Control
Ability to Learn New Steps Quickly
Performance Quality and Expression
Teamwork and Collaboration

A contemporary dancer must have strong technical skills, such as a well-trained control of the body's anatomy, body awareness, and coordination. they must have the ability to adapt to different movements and styles. they must be able to learn choreography quickly, express emotion through movement, and possess a sense of artistry and creativity.

The combination of these skills is essential for a contemporary dancer to be successful. By honing their technical skills, a dancer can better understand the movements necessary to express themselves and make a lasting impact. Furthermore, by developing their artistry and creativity, they can create unique and powerful performances that will capture the audiences attention.

mastering these skills will give a contemporary dancer the tools to be successful in the industry.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career as a contemporary dancer?
How would you describe your style of contemporary dance?
What challenges have you faced in your career as a dancer?
What techniques and methods do you use to stay creative and inspired?
How do you handle working with different choreographers?
What experience do you have with improvisational dancing?
How do you ensure that your performance is technically precise and emotionally engaging?
Describe a time when you had to work quickly and efficiently on a project.
How well do you manage time when rehearsing?
How have you used technology (such as video editing) to improve your work as a dancer?

Common Tools in Industry

Mirror. A reflective surface used for self-evaluation, observation, and correction of technique (eg: ballet mirror).
Barre. A stationary handrail used for balance, alignment, and support during exercise (eg: ballet barre).
Sound System. A device used to amplify music and other audio for rehearsals and performances (eg: wireless speakers).
Flooring. A surface material used to absorb shock and provide traction for movement (eg: sprung wood floors).
Costumes. An outfit that is specifically designed for a particular dance style (eg: lyrical dance costumes).
Reels and Ribbons. A device often used in Irish dancing to create patterns of movement on the floor (eg: Celtic dance reels).
Props. An item used to help tell a story, add visual interest, or create a desired effect (eg: juggling clubs for a jazz routine).
Camera and Recording Equipment. A device used to capture creative ideas and document progress (eg: HD digital camera).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
World Dance Council (WDC)
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Congress on Research in Dance (CORD)
Professional Dancers Society (PDS)
Dance/USA
Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
Dance Teachers Association of America (DTAA)
National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)

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Common Important Terms

Choreography. The practice of creating and arranging dance movements, typically to music.
Improvisation. The spontaneous creation of movement in the moment.
Ballet. A formalized form of classical dance with highly structured steps and movements.
Jazz Dance. A popular form of dance that originated in the USA, characterized by its improvisational, athletic, and expressive movements.
Modern Dance. A form of dance that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its rejection of traditional balletic conventions and its focus on individual expression.
Partnering. A technique that involves two people working together to create a movement phrase.
Floorwork. A technique that involves dancers working on the floor and performing movements such as rolling, sliding, and crawling.
Isolation. A technique that involves isolating parts of the body in order to create distinct and unique movement patterns.
Repertory. A collection of dances that a performer or group has memorized and is ready to perform.
Performance. The act of presenting a dance work to an audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical age range for a contemporary dancer?

Contemporary dancers typically start training between the ages of 8 and 12, and can continue to dance until their late 30s or early 40s.

What type of dance is Contemporary?

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet.

What are the benefits of taking a Contemporary dance class?

Taking a contemporary dance class can help improve flexibility and coordination, increase strength and balance, and encourage creative expression.

What are the basic steps of Contemporary dance?

Basic steps of contemporary dance include pliés, relevés, jumps, turns, and improvisational sequences.

Are there certain clothing requirements for Contemporary dancers?

Yes, for safety and proper movement, contemporary dancers typically wear comfortable clothing such as leotards, tights, and loose-fitting shorts.

Web Resources

Contemporary Dance | Boston Conservatory at Berklee bostonconservatory.berklee.edu
Contemporary Dance - UNCSA www.uncsa.edu
Contemporary - Department of Dance dance.byu.edu