Seek out dance studios and inquire which styles they teach. Although contemporary dance is not as prevalent as ballet or jazz, it has been gaining momentum over the years and many studios now offer contemporary dance styles.
Sit in on lessons or performances of dance studios that offer the style. This will help you rate the teaching style of the studio as well as the skill level of their dancers. A studio whose best dancers have poor technique is a red flag that this may not be the best studio for you.
Practice dancing barefoot and feeling the floor with your feet. Contemporary dancers are encouraged to form connections with their bodies as well as with the environment around them. Use sharp movements and even odd or unnatural looking poses and positions. Contemporary dance utilizes the full range of motion of the body and is not confined by technique and form rules as ballet and jazz styles are.
Enroll in the studio you are most impressed with and begin taking contemporary classes. Do not hesitate to participate in other styles as well, such as ballet or jazz, since they can enhance your form, musicality and overall technique as well, serving as a complement to the contemporary classes. Famous Russian-American ballet dancer-turned-contemporary-artist Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov, who studied under contemporary guru Twyla Tharp, mastered contemporary dance with the help of his ballet background.
Dance to music other than the classical pieces typically of ballet, or Broadway pieces common in jazz. Use a wide range of music, from rock to rap to Indie to ballads. Choose a song that speaks to you, as this will allow you to feel the music and reflect it in your movement, a strong characteristic of contemporary dance.
Inquire as to the appropriate footwear for the class. Some contemporary classes encourage barefoot dancing while others may recommend a sandal-type dance shoe or a piece of material that fits around your toes and covers only the balls of your feet.
Wear modern costumes which can range widely in style, as opposed to ballet dances where the traditional dress is leotards and tutu skirts. A contemporary costume can range from loose, flowing dresses to athletic wear to form fitting body suits. Choose an ensemble that suits the emotion and feel of the dance and the music.
Practice in between classes to further enhance your abilities. Rehearse step combinations and choreography taught in class to strengthen your muscle memory and coordination.
Stretch daily to increase flexibility. Sit on the floor with your legs outstretched in front of you. Reach towards your toes keeping your legs straight on the floor, stretching both your legs and back. Point your toes towards the floor then stretch them back towards the ceiling in deep points and flexes, which will help strengthen your arches.
Incorporate cultural inspirations, messages and stories into your contemporary choreography. Contemporary dances are often inspired by social issues and personal stories, such as love stories, illness, love triangles and even abstract inspirations such as rainstorms and the falling of a snowflake. Contemporary dance can be inspired by virtually anything and tell a clear or abstract story.