The Difference Between Contemporary Dance and Modern Dance

The difference between contemporary dance and modern dance is mainly in the following three aspects:

Origin and nature: Contemporary dance is based on Chinese traditional dance, and widely absorbs foreign artistic materials; modern dance originates from the West, and it is a school of dance in the early twentieth century that is opposite to classical ballet.

Movement and expressive characteristics: Contemporary dance movements are smooth and taut, with strength throughout, reflecting China's contemporary social life and the spirit of the times; modern dance movements are free, with a unique trajectory, and most of the works explore profound themes such as human nature and philosophy.

Stages of development and genres: Contemporary dance is relatively late in its development, but there are genres and styles, such as Chinese folk dance; modern dance has gone through different stages of development and styles and genres, such as the creation of the founding period, the development period, the new pioneering period, and the period of post-modern dance theater.