- Both dance styles are relatively new and have been influenced by a variety of dance styles. Contemporary dance is a fusion of modern dance, ballet, jazz, and other dance forms, while hip-hop dance is a fusion of African, Latin American, and other dance forms.
- Both dance styles emphasize fluidity and musicality. Contemporary dancers often move with a sense of ease and grace, while hip-hop dancers often move with a sense of rhythm and energy.
- Both dance styles can be performed to a variety of music. Contemporary dance can be performed to classical music, jazz, electronic music, or any other type of music, while hip-hop dance can be performed to hip-hop music, R&B, pop music, or any other type of music.
- Both dance styles can be used to express emotions and tell stories. Contemporary dancers often use their movements to convey emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, or fear, while hip-hop dancers often use their movements to tell stories about their lives or their experiences.
- Both contemporary dance and hip-hop are expressive dance styles that allow dancers to use their bodies to express themselves.