By Cassidy Davis
Guest Columnist, Ballerina, PULSE Board Member
From twists and tilts to elongation and elegance… just what is the art form behind Anchorage’s hottest dance company? The answer is a melodious, magnificent and at times melancholy fusion of performance art and modern dance.
Originating in the early part of the twentieth century, modern dance developed from a desire for dancers to express themselves without the rigid structure and technique required by ballet. Modern dance, often fused (and confused) with contemporary dance is based on free style movement of the limbs. Involving most parts of the body, a defining characteristic of modern dance is the exploration of gravity and balance by allowing dancers to emphasize their movements through use of their body weight. Technically, it has grown in leaps and bounds since its beginnings– pun intended.
Requiring an immense amount of stamina, modern dance is often choreographed using emotion and new or abstract ideas as inspiration. It can range from light and playful to deep and thoughtful. The beauty of modern dance is the ability to express one’s feelings or perspectives on issues through movement. This was specifically displayed in Pulse’s Season One performance of Poem One, which effectively conveyed ideas of the relationships between life, death and cellular structure.
Traditionally seen as a form of entertainment, modern dance has evolved into a way for dancers to portray grander ideas. It has become a staple in a well-rounded dancer’s skill set, and its ability to be received as a passionate and breathtaking experience is what appeals to so many.
What is it about modern dance that speaks to you? Find out at Pulse’s Season Two Concert this January.
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