What is modern dance?
Modern is a relatively new style of dance, consisting of a combination of ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and modern dance techniques. Specific modern techniques include Martha Graham, José Limón, and Lester Horton. Anything counts as choreography to us, and we encourage improv and personal interpretation during our sessions! In performances, we use lots of flowy movements to convey drama and emotion. We also perform cool jumps, turns, and tricks!
Above: The Ailey School Co-Director Tracy Inman with students from the Professional Division in a Horton modern class. Photo by Nir Arieli.
Below: Nicholas Ruscica, foreground, and Limón Dance Company in Limón’s “Psalm.” Photo by Christopher Jones.
The Goal of the StuyModern Club
Started at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year by senior Christina Shen and junior Melody Huang, StuyModern is exactly what it sounds like: a community of modern dancers at Stuy! During the Stuysquad, SING!, and SOS offseasons, members of the board teach original choreography or hold training sessions for club members. Recent examples of club meetings include our November turning and jumping training day, as well as a choreo workshop hosted in October by our PIT, Zoe (see our homepage)! We welcome dancers of all experiences and abilities. Everyone is also strongly encouraged to apply for the Modern crews in StuySquad, SOS, and SING!
Above: Dancers in the finale of SOS Modern 2022. Photo by SOS 2022.
Below: Dancers performing a stunt in Stuysquad Modern 2023. Photo by Alan Tan.
