Meaning: Contemporary dance is a modern dance style that mixes movements from ballet, modern, and African dances. It allows dancers to use free movement to express feelings and tell stories without following strict steps.

1. It uses gravity by letting the body relax, fall, and move naturally across the floor.


2. It often involves floor work where dancers roll, slide, crawl, or rest close to the ground.


3. Movements are smooth and free instead of tight or stiff, allowing natural flow.


4. Dancers create unusual or surprising body shapes to express deep feelings or ideas.


5. Unlike ballet or traditional dances, contemporary dance allows freedom and change in movement.


6. Each dancer can develop their own style, as there is no fixed way to move.


7. Dancers may work in pairs or groups by lifting, supporting, or balancing with others.


8. Movements travel across the space in many directions instead of staying in one spot.


9. Though it looks free and soft, it requires strong muscles and control of the body.


10. Dancers may move with music or in silence to match the message or mood of the dance.

1. Ballet – A smooth and graceful type of dance where dancers move with balance and elegance.


2. Tap Dance – A dance where the dancer makes sound by tapping their shoes on the floor to match the rhythm.


3. Jazz Dance – A fast and fun dance with quick steps and energetic movement.


4. Hip-Hop Dance – A street-style dance with powerful and expressive moves to loud, beat-heavy music.


5. Dance Drama – A form of dance where the dancer tells a story using movement and expression without speaking.

• Isadora Duncan – She is known as the mother of modern dance; she danced with free movements and without shoes, breaking away from traditional ballet.


• Martha Graham – She developed a new way of dancing that focused on deep breathing and sharp, emotional movements.

• Ballet Performance – The dancer wears ballet shoes and performs light jumps, smooth turns, and elegant arm movements.


• Tap Dance Performance – The dancer taps the floor quickly with special shoes to make a beat or rhythm


• Jazz Performance – The dancer moves with fast, sharp steps, doing spins and jumps to lively music.


• Hip-Hop Performance – The dancer shows off freestyle moves like popping, locking, and breakdance to hip-hop music.


• Dance Drama Performance – The dancer uses acting and dance together to tell a story with the body and face.

1. Nigerian Style – Nigerian dancers mix traditional steps (like Atilogwu or Bata) with modern styles like hip-hop and jazz.


2. Dance Groups – Crown Troupe of Africa, QDance Centre, and Iwal’ewa Theatre use Nigerian culture in their performances.


3. Media Appearances – Contemporary dance appears in Nigerian music videos, dance shows, and stage plays.


4. Cultural Blend – Nigerian contemporary dance tells African stories using modern movement.

• “Spirit Child” by Qudus Onikeku – A Nigerian performance that mixes storytelling, dance, and acrobatics.


• “Re:Incarnation” by QDance – A show that brings African street dance, Afrobeats, and tradition into one performance.


• Stage drama dances – Contemporary dance is often used in school plays or church performances to act out feelings or stories.