Techniques for Contemporary Dance Moves – Choreography Inspiration

Contract and release is a foundational element of the Graham technique, developed by the legendary Martha Graham. Named ‘Dancer of the Century’ by TIME magazine and one of People magazine’s ‘Icons of the Century’. Graham revolutionized the dance world with her innovative approach and founded her own company in 1926. Contract and release involve shaping the body into an arc during the contraction, commonly seen in modern dance. The contraction is followed by a release that relaxes the muscles used in the contraction. The video shows clearly the practice of contract and release per the Martha Graham method!

One simple yet powerful way to refresh choreography is by reversing movements you already have or feel comfortable with. Not only does this add a new layer to your piece, but I have found that reversing choreography often sparks fresh ideas and unexpected pathways. I remember a time in a choreography class when I hit a creative block. To break through it, I took a sequence I liked and began exploring it in reverse. This experiment led me to discover unique contemporary dance moves. An intriguing movement style that took my choreography in an exciting new direction. This video presents the most extreme example of reversing contemporary dance moves: the filmmakers filmed the entire piece in reverse. The goal of this technique is to maintain a sense of familiarity for the audience while inspiring new perspectives and ideas.

Fall and recovery is a technique developed by Doris Humphrey in 1928, when she began experimenting with dance theory while choreographing Water Study. In this groundbreaking piece, Humphrey drew inspiration from nonmusical rhythms like breath, pulse, and the flow of waves. The fall and recovery technique starts with a sudden drop, followed by a weight shift that initiates the recovery, often building up to a graceful rise. The Water Study, you can see the first example of this technique in action. Fall and recovery can be a powerful tool in choreography, adding an element of surprise and emotion. In my own work, I have used this technique to express themes of hardship and compassion, telling a story through movement. Using this technique, I find contemporary dance moves that not only respond to gravity but also the balance of the human body.

 Suspension is the art of holding a position for a brief moment, creating a sense of weightlessness. It can feel as if time stands still, leaving the audience in suspense, anticipating what comes next. Suspension is a powerful storytelling tool in choreography. In one piece I performed with a small group, we incorporated suspension right at the beginning of the chorus: the entire group stood up, then leaned together in a moment of suspension before falling into the choreography. This moment left the audience holding their breath. In the video below, you can see a dancer using suspension to create a sense of weightlessness and an intriguing uncertainty about where he will move next.

Weight shift is a versatile and dynamic technique that can be applied in numerous ways. Dancers can transfer their weight from one foot to the other, from feet to hands, or shift between forward and backward, among countless other variations. When choreographing, I like to experiment, always exploring the most unexpected or unconventional direction or limb to move in. This approach adds depth and complexity to the choreography, enhancing its dynamics and disrupting the predictability of the movement. In ensemble choreography, weight shift can also be seamlessly incorporated into partner work. The video below demonstrates powerful examples of weight shift between partners, where one movement flows into another, as well as the use of suspension. This distribution of weight not only enhances the visual impact but also elevates the emotional intensity of the performance.