Fluid Expression

Contemporary Dance

Find freedom in movement. Contemporary dance blends technique with raw emotion, allowing you to express what words cannot.

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul." — Martha Graham
Explore Classes Free Expression Session

What is Contemporary Dance?

Contemporary dance is an expressive form that combines elements of modern dance, jazz, ballet, and lyrical dance. It emphasizes freedom of movement, emotional expression, and connection to music and space.

Born in the mid-20th century as a rebellion against the rigid structures of classical ballet, contemporary dance values individuality, creativity, and emotional authenticity over perfect technique.

Core Principles
  • Emotional expression and storytelling
  • Freedom of movement and improvisation
  • Connection to floor and gravity
  • Use of breath and natural body alignment
Early 20th Century

Modern dance pioneers like Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham break from ballet traditions

1950s-1960s

Postmodern dance emerges, focusing on everyday movements and improvisation

1970s-1980s

Contemporary dance incorporates contact improvisation and release techniques

Today

Fusion of styles with emphasis on individuality, emotion, and innovative choreography

Release Technique

Focus on letting go of muscular tension and using breath to initiate movement

Gravity Breath

Contact Improvisation

Partner work focusing on shared weight, momentum, and spontaneous movement

Partnering Trust

Graham Technique

Martha Graham's method focusing on contraction and release of the torso

Contraction Spiral

Our Contemporary Community

A space for authentic expression and growth

600+

Contemporary Students

35

Weekly Classes

40+

Original Choreographies

10

Professional Instructors

Contemporary Classes

From foundational techniques to advanced choreography

Contemporary Foundations

Contemporary Foundations

Perfect for beginners with or without dance experience

Learn basic contemporary techniques, floor work, and movement vocabulary in a supportive environment.

Beginner 8 Weeks
Intermediate Contemporary

Intermediate Contemporary

For dancers with basic contemporary experience

Develop more complex sequences, improve technical skills, and explore emotional expression.

Intermediate 12 Weeks
Advanced Choreography

Advanced Choreography

For experienced contemporary dancers

Master complex choreography, develop personal style, and prepare for performances.

Advanced Performance Focus
Contact Improvisation

Contact Improvisation

All levels welcome

Explore partner work, shared weight, and spontaneous movement in a safe, guided environment.

All Levels Workshop
Lyrical Contemporary

Lyrical Contemporary

Emotional storytelling through dance

Combine contemporary technique with lyrical expression to tell stories through movement.

Intermediate+ 10 Weeks
Improvisation Lab

Improvisation Lab

Discover your unique movement voice

Guided improvisation exercises to develop creativity, spontaneity, and personal expression.

All Levels Drop-in

Movement Vocabulary

Explore key contemporary dance movements

Floor Work
Floor Work
Using the floor as a partner in movement
Suspension & Fall
Suspension & Fall
Playing with gravity and recovery
Spirals
Spirals
Rotational movements through the spine

Contemporary Instructors

Learn from passionate artists and educators

Maria Rodriguez

Maria Rodriguez

Head Contemporary Instructor

Former company dancer with Alvin Ailey, specializing in Graham technique and emotional expression.

Graham Lyrical
David Chen

David Chen

Contact Improvisation Expert

Specialized in partnering and improvisation. Trained in Europe with leading CI practitioners.

Contact Improvisation
Isabelle Laurent

Isabelle Laurent

Release Technique Specialist

Focuses on somatic practices, breath work, and fluid movement. Former Pilates instructor.

Release Somatic
Michael Park

Michael Park

Choreography & Composition

Award-winning choreographer. Teaches creative process and performance skills.

Composition Performance

Choreography Showcase

Original works from our students and instructors

Student Choreography
Student Works
Emerging Voices

Original choreography by our intermediate students

Instructor Works
Instructor Series
Professional Works

Choreography by our teaching artists

Collaborative Pieces
Collaborations
Group Creations

Collaborative works developed in class

Special Workshops

Deepen your practice with specialized sessions

Improvisation Intensive

Monthly 3-hour workshop

Deep dive into improvisation techniques, exploring movement generation, spontaneity, and personal expression in a supportive environment.

All Levels Monthly

Contact Improv Jam

Bi-weekly session

Open jam session for practicing contact improvisation skills in a safe, facilitated space. Perfect for building confidence in partnering.

Open Level Bi-weekly

Choreography Lab

Quarterly weekend intensive

Learn the craft of choreography from concept to stage. Develop your creative voice and receive feedback on your work.

Intermediate+ Weekend

Therapeutic Movement

Monthly healing session

Gentle contemporary movement for stress relief, emotional processing, and body awareness. No dance experience needed.

All Welcome Therapeutic

Find Your Movement Voice

Experience the freedom of contemporary expression

Start Your Free Session