Revamp Your Contemporary Music

Jun 20, 2024

 

Music plays a pivotal role in the ever-evolving world of contemporary dance. 

As a dance instructor, the music you select can significantly impact your students' experience and growth. While it might be tempting to rely on popular tracks (they're popular for a reason, after all), I believe there's more value in venturing away from mainstream and keeping your contemporary music distinctive. 

Diversify Your Playlist

Contemporary dance is a blend of so many different styles of dance-- originally modern, ballet, and jazz. But today, contemporary choreographers draw from many other styles, too. For example, Akram Kahn blends his classical Indian kathark training in his contemporary dance work. 

A diverse music playlist will complement the diverse nature of contemporary! This is a huge benefit to us as teachers. Using different genres, tempos, and rhythms not only keeps things interesting, but it also allows our students to hone their musicality and develop emotional versatility. 

What to Look For

There isn't really a "wrong answer" when it comes to what genres of music to use in contemporary (Well...I guess I don't use country or heavy metal 😂). But, I do stick to a few guidelines when curating playlists.

Age appropriate is always my biggest rule. This might seem obvious, but I have been SHOCKED at some of the music I've heard with contemporary dances at competitions this past year!

I'm not anti-lyrics at all. I enjoy using a mix of lyrics and instrumental music in my classes and choreography. However, I tend to stay away from popular music. My goal is to expose my students to new artists, genres, and pieces they don't have familiarity with or pre-conceived feelings about. 

My Go-to Artists

Below is a list of my FAVORITE artists and composers to use in my contemporary classes and dances:

  • James Blake
  • The Cranberries
  • Ludovico Einaudi 
  • Olafur Arnalds
  • Tash Sultana
  • Ingrid Michaelson
  • Aurora
  • Novo Amor
  • Gordi
  • Michael Wall
  • Zoe Keating
  • Classical composers such as Vivaldi and Bach

Reminder that I have over 100 pieces of music in my "Contemporary Playlist" available for you on Spotify HERE. 

I love that Spotify will recommend songs based on your specific playlist. Try looking there if you get stuck, too!