Contemporary Dance

What Is Contemporary Dance?

Contemporary dance is an umbrella term for dance styles that emerged from and in response to classical ballet and early modern dance. It draws from multiple movement traditions — including release technique, contact improvisation, somatic practices and physical theatre — prioritising individual expression and creative interpretation.

The style rejects many of the strict aesthetic conventions of classical ballet, embracing floor work, off-balance movement, use of gravity and collaboration between choreographer and performer.

Contemporary dance continues to evolve as practitioners integrate influences from other dance cultures, visual arts, technology and interdisciplinary performance practice.

Contemporary Dance vs Ballet

Contemporary dance grew out of classical ballet in the early twentieth century, and the two remain closely linked in training — but they differ sharply in technique, aesthetic and approach.

Benefits of Contemporary Dance

Who Is Contemporary Dance Suitable For?

Learning Contemporary Dance in London

London is one of the world's leading cities for contemporary dance. Major institutions such as Sadler's Wells, The Place and the Barbican present international work year-round, while independent companies and emerging choreographers make the city an extraordinarily rich environment for the art form.

Training institutions including London Contemporary Dance School and Rambert School are internationally recognised, producing graduates who go on to work with major companies worldwide.

Contemporary dance classes in London are available from introductory adult sessions to professional-level training. Many studios offer technique classes alongside creative workshops that develop improvisation and performance skills.

The style is suitable for dancers with backgrounds in ballet as a complementary practice, and also fully accessible to adults beginning dance for the first time.

What Should You Wear?

Wear fitted, stretchy clothing that lets your teacher see your alignment — leggings or fitted joggers with a fitted top work well. Most contemporary classes are danced barefoot or in socks, though some studios allow soft jazz or ballet shoes; check with the studio before your first class.

Avoid anything too loose or restrictive, since floor work and off-balance movement require full freedom through the hips, spine and shoulders. Tie back long hair and remove jewellery for safety.

Contemporary Dance FAQ

• Can adults start Contemporary Dance with no experience? +
  Yes. Contemporary is one of the most beginner-friendly technique styles in London — most studios run dedicated adult beginner courses that start with the basics of release technique, floor work and body alignment. No prior dance training is expected.
• Is Contemporary Dance difficult to learn? +
  It is technically demanding at a professional level, but beginner classes are paced for newcomers. The style rewards patience more than natural flexibility — most of what makes contemporary feel hard, like core control and off-balance movement, develops gradually with regular practice.
• Do I need a ballet background to learn Contemporary Dance? +
  No. While many professional contemporary dancers do have a classical foundation, and it can help with alignment and strength, it is not a requirement. Beginner and open-level classes across London are designed to work without any prior technique.
• What age should children start Contemporary Dance classes? +
  Most London schools offer contemporary from around age 7–8, often alongside ballet, once a child has developed basic coordination and can follow structured instruction. Many studios also run creative movement classes for younger children as a gentler introduction.
• How long does it take to learn Contemporary Dance? +
  You can feel confident in a beginner class within a few weeks. Building real technical range — control, flexibility and musicality — typically takes consistent classes over one to two years, similar to progressing in any physical discipline.
• Is Contemporary Dance good exercise? +
  Yes. A typical class combines strength work, stretching and travelling sequences that raise your heart rate in intervals, giving you a full-body workout that also builds flexibility, coordination and core strength — benefits reflected across the wider research on dance and physical fitness.
• What muscles does Contemporary Dance work? +
  Contemporary engages the whole body, but especially the core and deep postural muscles, hip flexors and rotators, hamstrings, and the muscles supporting the spine and shoulders — a natural result of the floor work, extensions and off-balance movement central to the style.
• How much do Contemporary Dance classes cost in London? +
  Drop-in and single classes typically cost £8–£20. A structured 6–8 week beginner course usually runs £60–£180, and private lessons cost more, often £45–£90 per hour. Professional open classes at institutions like The Place tend to sit at the higher end of that range.