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

She put a lot of modern dance into the classical ballet.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 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