What is the difference between lyrical and contemporary dance?

Lyrical dance and contemporary dance are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct characteristics and origins.

Here are the main differences between lyrical and contemporary dance:

Lyrical Dance:

• Emotion and expression: Lyrical dance focuses on conveying emotions and telling a story through movement. It often involves a strong connection to the music and lyrics, and dancers strive to interpret and express the sentiment of the song through their choreography.

• Balletic influences: Lyrical dance draws heavily from ballet technique and aesthetics. It incorporates fluid and graceful movements, extensions, and control. Lyrical dance often incorporates balletic lines and positions while adding expressive and emotive qualities.

• Musicality: Lyrical dance is closely linked to the musicality of the chosen music. Dancers pay attention to the dynamics, phrasing, and nuances of the music to synchronize their movements and enhance the emotional impact of their performance.

Contemporary Dance:

• Freedom of movement: Contemporary dance embraces a wide range of movement styles and techniques. It is known for its versatility, allowing dancers to explore a vast array of movements, from fluid and organic to sharp and angular. Contemporary dance encourages individuality, self-expression, and experimentation.

• Release-based techniques: Contemporary dance often incorporates release-based techniques, emphasizing relaxation, gravity, and fluidity in movement. Dancers aim to find freedom and ease in their bodies while exploring a wide range of dynamics and qualities.

• Choreographic innovation: Contemporary dance encourages choreographic innovation and pushing boundaries. It embraces unconventional movement choices, improvisation, and experimentation with spatial design. Contemporary choreography can incorporate elements from various dance styles, blending them into a unique and personal movement vocabulary.

• Conceptual and abstract themes: Contemporary dance frequently explores abstract and conceptual themes, focusing on ideas, social issues, or personal narratives. It encourages dancers and choreographers to explore and convey deeper meanings through movement.

While there is overlap between lyrical and contemporary dance, lyrical tends to have a stronger ballet foundation and a more direct connection to the music and lyrics. Contemporary dance, on the other hand, embraces a broader range of movement possibilities, encourages individuality, and often incorporates conceptual and abstract elements. Both styles offer dancers opportunities for self-expression and artistic exploration within their own unique aesthetics.

Interested in Lyrical or Contemporary classes? We have these styles available to nearly all age groups!

Simply head here and filter your search by age category to find classes suitable to you or your child 😊 You can book a free trial to experience any of these classes before deciding to continue with them for the term!