Choosing the Right Dance Style for Beginners: Should You Start with Contemporary?

Hiya! I'm 13, never taken a dance class in my life, but I'm wanting to take some. I love contemporary and wanted to know if this is a good style to start with and if I'd have to take ballet to do so. Does anyone know?

Dance is a form of art, and all you have to do is follow your heart and let your passions guide your decisions. The hard work comes later, and it's important to find a dance style that resonates with you.

Contemporary Dance: A Versatile Style

Contemporary dance has no real technique of its own and relies on ballet, modern techniques, and the choreographer's own dance vocabulary. The only thing that makes a dance contemporary is the choreography. It is a style that emphasizes emotional expression and allows for a wide range of movement possibilities.

Ballet as a Foundation

While modern and contemporary dance schools often allow students to skip ballet, it is generally recommended to have a foundational knowledge of ballet before diving into these styles. Most recreational ballet schools require some level of ballet training before introducing genres like contemporary, jazz, or modern dance.

For those wishing to excel, a strong foundation in ballet can greatly enhance your skills and techniques in contemporary dance. Ballet classes not only improve your flexibility and posture but also help you develop a better understanding of classical dance forms, which are valuable even as you explore more contemporary movements.

Is Contemporary Dance Too Difficult to Start With?

Contemporary dance can be challenging, especially if you are just starting out. It requires a good understanding of basic elements and a natural talent for emotional expression. However, it is not impossible to start with contemporary, especially if you have a strong passion for it.

I know a lot of basics, like different turns and leaps, but I still think it might be hard. I am 14 and have been taking dance for three years, but I am not good enough for contemporary just yet. Personally, I started with jazz because I felt it might be easier, but I think ballet would be better because of its strong foundation.

Choosing Based on Your Goals

The choice of dance style largely depends on your goals and aspirations. If you just love dancing and want to take lessons for enjoyment, grace, and exercise, starting with contemporary is a great choice. Most dance teachers don't require prior experience in other forms of dance.

However, if you are serious about pursuing dance as a career, starting with a foundation in ballet is highly recommended. While 13 may feel young to many dancers, ballet training can give you a solid base that will be invaluable as you progress in your dance career. The reality is that professional dancers often start at a very young age, especially in ballet, due to the intense training that is required.

Starting early with ballet can significantly impact your skills and future in dance. It's a demanding path, and you will need a lot of hard work, an excellent instructor, and natural talent to succeed. If you plan to pursue dance seriously, you should be prepared to take multiple classes each week. Depending on the instructor, they may recommend taking courses in ballet, jazz, and tap simultaneously.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice of dance style comes down to your personal passions and goals. If you enjoy contemporary and want to start with it, go for it! However, consider that a strong foundation in ballet can greatly enhance your skills and open up more opportunities in the future. Talk to dance instructors to get their advice and guidance as you embark on your dance journey.