What is the difference between ballet and modern dance?

Answer 1

Modern Dance and BalletThere are numerous differences between modern dance and Ballet. Classical ballet as we know it today has developed over 100s and 100s of years. It has become a very specific technique that requires much patience and hard workfor both the student, professional,and teacher, similar to a concert pianist or a famous writer.

Modern, or 'contempory' dance, is relatively new in comparison to Ballet. This does not mean the structure or difficulty is any less. Specific techniques have been developed over the past 100 yrs or so that began originally to rebel against the poise and formal structure of classical ballet.Modern can be danced with or without ballet shoes, but rarely do modern dancers use pointe shoes. The rebellion against classical in part was inspired by dancers wanting to be more 'earthy' so pointe shoes were too 'etheral'. Both the style and music are fundemental differences between the two.

Each have thoughts that have inspired dancers/choreographers to express themselves through the art of dance in different ways.

For example, ballet tends to "turn their feet out" and "point their toes." But in modern dance, anything goes, since they can be earthy, they can walk heel, toe. But in ballet you, normally, walk on your toes. Modern or Contemporary dancers can flex their feet when they kick, classical ballet normally looks down on that.

Ballet is more demanding on the body, modern dancing is more free...

In ballet you have to work more on posture, turn out, core strength,

When you get to a certain level you start pointe work.....

It is easier to go from ballet to modern, than from modern to ballet....

Ballet also gets you great legs, and better posture.... ballet is better for you and your body... but modern is more fun, and less stressful....

Answer 2

Modern focuses on natural movement and ballet has more stricter rules. For example, if a ballet dancer is just standing on stage, their legs have to be turned out and in first position. But if it were a modern dancer, their legs would not be turned out and they would be in parallel position.

Answer 3

Modern is very short looking. Almost robotic. Ballet is much more flowing and beautifull.