although the methodology has variances such as Vagonova, Cecchetti, and more recently Balanchine or R.A.D.) since the birth of the technique. Ballet works that are performed, may use additional labels that tend to reflect the era in which they were created (i.e., Classical, Romantic, Neo-classical, Contemporary). Could it be more confusing?

Contemporary ballet, generally refers to a work that takes its technique from classical ballet but utilizes current ideas and choreographic processes. As the art of ballet in the 17th century had been, modern dance at one point (the early 1900's) was a new idea (see "What is Modern Dance?" for a little history lesson). Currently, some have begun to refer to the techniques and works of people like Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and other originators as "classical modern dance" - sounds like an oxymoron, I know. If we follow the line of labeling used for ballet, then we could call what is this very moment going on in modern dance, "contemporary modern dance," since the work generally takes its technique from classical modern dance, but follows current (and ever changing) ideas and processes. The repetitious or sometimes redundant terminology creates difficulty in talking about dance but I think it helps to understand that there is a difference between technique and choreography. For labeling purposes, all work/art/choreography being created now is considered Contemporary Dance. The techniques studied by dancers which inform contemporary concert dance choreography are modern dance, classical ballet, and sometimes jazz dance, and can also be infused with elements of vernacular (or social/ballroom) dance, ethnic dance forms, martial arts, etc.

Although I am not a dance historian, I've done my best to answer this question and address the source of confusion as I understand it. If anyone would like to add or respond to my thoughts, please feel free. And, don't worry if it's all still confusing. It's confusing for those working and creating within, and writing about the dance world. The passage of time eventually allows us to step back and recognize shifts in the philosophies of art and we are then able to more accurately classify or label. The more recent something is, the harder it is to define because we are still in the midst of change. And change in art occurs as slowly or rapidly as the world around it. Compare the mutations of dance in the last 100 years to the mutations of earlier centuries and I think you'll see it runs parallel to advances in technology, industry, and communication.

Just remember that in labeling dance, sometimes it just depends on who you talk to, where they're from, what their background in dance is, etc. Dance terminology and classification varies according to time and place. In addition, we must recognize, of course, that labels are limited and really only useful when reading, writing, or talking about dance. Dance, by its nature - a language of movement, is an art form that resists labeling.

"The Dancer believes that his art has something to say which cannot be expressed in words or in any other way than by dancing... there are times when the simple dignity of movement can fulfill the function of a volume of words. There are movements which impinge upon the nerves with a strength that is incomparable, for movement has power to stir the senses and emotions, unique in itself. This is the dancer's justification for being, and his reason for searching further for deeper aspects of his art." - Doris Humphrey

"If I could tell you what it meant, there would be no point in dancing it." - Isadora Duncan

"Dance isn't something that can be explained in words; it has to be danced." - Paige Arden

"Talk about dance? Dance is not something to talk about. Dance is to dance." - Peter St. James

Ballet, Modern, Enthusiast, performance, student, technique (all tags)