Modern
Modern dance is a form of movement that draws upon ballet, jazz, yoga, Pilates, and many more styles of dance and athletics. Modern is focused on creating new and unique forms of movement and expression, without the codified steps required in ballet. Certain stylized forms of modern that will be introduced in class include techniques from visionaries such as Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Irmgard Bartenieff. Class is done with bare feet, and emphasis will be placed upon learning new ways of exploring weight, space, breath and support, improvisation, body patterning, spinal coordination, kinesthetic awareness, and performance qualities. Modern dance allows for individual creativity and expression from students, and the class focuses on the improvement of strength and alignment, balance in vertical and off-vertical movement, and coordination of the body.