| Outside of the dance community, the terms classical | | | | introduced his style of ballet, there were many |
| and contemporary ballet may seem interchangeable. | | | | objections. This was not a surprise as those in the |
| After all, what difference can there possibly be when | | | | ballet dance scene were of the purist type, not to |
| both terms contain the all-important word ballet? | | | | mention that any change in tradition especially a |
| Well, you will be surprised for, indeed, classical ballet | | | | seemingly radical one is most often met with strong |
| and contemporary ballet may share similarities, but | | | | opposition. Still, were it not for the dedication, |
| their differences ultimately make them two different | | | | determination and passion of Balanchine and other |
| dance art forms. | | | | choreographers of his thinking, we would not be able |
| With that being said, contemporary ballet is described | | | | to enjoy the energy of contemporary ballet today. |
| as getting influences from both classical ballet and | | | | Going back to the similarities and differences of |
| modern dance. Thus, the techniques especially in point | | | | classical ballet and contemporary ballet, many have |
| work are from classical ballet while the wider range | | | | been identified. For similarities, both of these dance |
| of movements comes from the principles of modern | | | | forms utilize the mime movements of the French |
| dance, the latter of which often do not adhere to | | | | language, both emphasize the relationship between |
| the strict bodylines of the former. Viewers get a | | | | the music and the movements, and both require |
| new form of dance that is neither classical nor | | | | dancers with a high levels of skills, techniques and |
| modern dance but a hybrid of the two - a new | | | | performance abilities. |
| species of dance, so to speak. | | | | As for the differences, contemporary ballet is about |
| Many consider George Balanchine as the pioneer of | | | | the dance movements, not the storyline. It is also |
| contemporary ballet although others will dispute such | | | | unmindful of symmetry, unlike classical ballet where |
| a claim. It would be more appropriate to say that | | | | two sets of dancers execute the same movements |
| George Balanchine introduced contemporary ballet as | | | | in the opposite sides of the stage. Contemporary |
| we know it today and made it more popular | | | | ballet choreographers have the option to include or |
| amongst the ballet public. No matter the claims of | | | | exclude the pas de deux, which is mandatory in |
| both factions, the Balanchine style is the most | | | | classical ballet. Of course, contemporary ballet |
| recognized, which is characterized by flexed hands | | | | dancers can twist, bend, and curve their upper bodies |
| and feet, off-center positions and turned-in legs as | | | | instead of adopting straight spines for most of the |
| well as the use of unorthodox costumes departing | | | | recital, as happens with classical ballet. |
| away from the traditional tutus. His style influenced | | | | It must be emphasized that one form of ballet is not |
| the styles of the likes of Martha Graham, John Butler, | | | | necessarily superior to the other form. In many |
| and Glen Tetley. Two of Balanchine's students who | | | | ways, both complement each other. Besides, when it |
| were popular in both the classical and contemporary | | | | comes to art, beauty is always in the eye of the |
| ballet circles were Paul Taylor and Mikhail Baryshnikov. | | | | beholder. |
| During the first few years when Balanchine | | | | |