modern dance

American  

noun

1. a form of contemporary theatrical and concert dance employing a special technique for developing the use of the entire body in movements expressive of abstract ideas.

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modern dance British  

noun

1. a style of free and expressive theatrical dancing not bound by the classical rules of ballet

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Etymology

Origin of modern dance

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Founder Alvin Ailey’s technical approach to dance combined modern dance, ballet and jazz — among other dance forms — in an attempt to blur the traditional boundaries of the dance world.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Her technique, with its fierce movements and angular shapes, became a mainstay of American modern dance and remains part of the curriculum at many dance academies worldwide.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

But if doing it all has been Tharp’s greatest contribution to modern dance, then that has meant she hasn’t always been taken as seriously as other innovators.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025

Like Michael Flatley, they mix traditional and modern dance steps and often to perform to contemporary music.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2024

She does modern dance, which is like...I don't know.

From "Sunny" by Jason Reynolds