What is Modern Dance?

I define modern (or contemporary) dance as a philosophy of dance, rather than a style. A modern dance choreographer uses every type of movement that the human body is capable of making to get the look, feel and meaning that he or she is looking for, to create meaningful or beautiful works of expression that communicate something to an audience, often expressing things that the audience members are feeling, but cannot express for themselves. It is moving art.

Modern dance is an American approach to dance which began forming in the early 1900s. The approach was basically a reaction against the strict structure of Ballet and it's binding clothing. Since modern dance is more of an artistic rebellion than a new set of rules, it encompasses many styles. If you study the Jose Limon method, you will learn certain steps, if you study Eric Hawkins' method, you will learn different steps. Each choreographer, if they choose to go in their own direction, will have their own method. A painter doesn't usually limit herself to certain brushstrokes or certain colors just as a modern dance choreographer doesn't limit herself to certain types of moves.


When I teach modern dance I focus on some of the movement concepts that are employed more often in modern dance than in other forms. The students will be using their Ballet, Irish, Ballroom, and Tap dancing skills in modern choreography, but for the most part I let them learn those skills in other classes.

The use of momentum, the articulation of the upper body, the use of parallel leg positioning, flexed feet, and weight distribution that is low to the ground are all examples of movement skills that I focus on in my modern dance classes.

What I Am Influenced By in Dance

First and foremost I am influenced by the power of music. Secondly, my education from the University of Colorado and the 50+ dance teachers I have had over the years have taught me the language of dance and given me the skills with which to express myself through this medium. I could not have done any of this without them.

Modern Dance is the primary form I use in choreography. Many choreographers develop and revitalize the work of those from the past who have developed a recognizable style in the modern dance genre. I do not do this, although I have been influenced by many choreographers from various eras. Instead, I have used modern dance as a method of purely expressing my feelings and ideas without being restricted in the scope or style of my movements. I draw from every kind of movement that I have ever been aware of - from different forms of dance, from drama, and from life. Over the years I have developed my own style, however, I try to challenge that style and continue to grow and change.

My desire to dance comes almost entirely from the existence of music. Music has been the center of my life since I was a tiny child. My activities have been filled with listening to music, singing, playing the piano, drumming, and dancing - anything I could do that involved music. Movement seems to come organically from music in my mind and in my body. Philosophical ideas and emotions spring from the music and place themselves in the movements that I do. My goal is nearly always to integrate the movement and the music so that they form a congruous expression that an audience can absorb, and on some level, understand.

In my choreography I use many everyday movements, emotive movements and facial expressions, tribal and other cultural dance movements, and movements from every other form of dance I have been exposed to. Symbolic movements, shapes, and patterns from the world around me and from mythology often help me to create an atmosphere or set the stage for what I am expressing. The setting may be a snowy clearing in the woods, a bonfire, or a mountain top. It may be a kitchen, or a bedroom, or an intangible place in my mind. Within that setting or atmosphere is a feeling, a problem, a challenge, a need, progression, growth and change. Ultimately, when I dance, I am trying to tell an emotional story.

Resume | Teaching | Philosophy | Photos | Classes