The primary difference is that Modern dance is codified, which means that it has common movements set in a particular style and specific names and expectations.

Lyrical dance is a category typically found in dance. You can learn beginner-friendly dance moves that will be easy to incorporate into your routine or freestyle. Although many people think that Modern and Contemporary dance are the same thing, they are actually two different styles. However, the way they achieve this is quite different, although it may require a trained eye to spot the difference. Similar dance steps may be used in both styles but it is the way in which they are sequenced, performed, and matched with sound and music that can make them different. The style combines ballet technique with the freedom and musicality of jazz and contemporary. Contemporary and lyrical dance styles are similar in some respects they’re both a vehicle to convey emotions, themes, and concepts. Whereas contemporary dance distorts ballet technique, is generally avant-garde, and is dancer-centric, with a focus on the choreography or a theme, idea, or concept. Lyrical dance is fluid and dynamic, it should follow and match the tone of the song and lyrics being danced to and is emotionally expressive. It is also important to understand that there IS a difference between Lyrical and Contemporary dance, especially for those entering competitions. Hip hop is taking cues from lyrical, contemporary is infused with acrobatics, and musical theater is. These days, the lines between each genre of dance are becoming more and more fluid. Technique and amalgamation of both disciplines need to be mastered so that the dancer can concentrate on emotionally performing the steps rather than on their execution. Check out our podcast episode on this hot topic Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Author: Christina Belinsky. Contemporary is also a modern dance style that incorporates technical aspects of ballet and focuses artistic expression, creativity and freedom in dance. Ballet is a complex mixture of technique. Although, both dances are different in style, music, technique, and uniform, they still have similarites in movement. They both differ from each other for numerous reasons. Lyrical dance is generally an addition to the ballet or jazz dancers’ arsenal. Lyrical and ballet are both extremely common yet incredibly different types of dance. Movement in lyrical dance is used to show intense emotions and music and lyric choice helps to determine the emotional tone and choice of the choreography of lyrical dance. Miranda Spada adds, Contemporary and lyrical dance are often confused because not many people have their own personal definition of each style. Poses showing off dancers’ flexibility and strength are held as long as possible, jumps are high and explosive and turns are fluid and melt into the next.

Lyrical dance vs contemporary