- Classical music: Contemporary dancers often use classical music to create expressive and emotive performances. This type of music can provide a foundation for dancers to explore themes and emotions, and to create intricate choreography.
- Electronic music: Electronic music can provide a dynamic and energetic backdrop for contemporary dance. The upbeat tempos and repetitive beats of electronic music can inspire dancers to create high-energy and physically demanding choreography.
- Jazz music: Jazz music can provide a improvisational and free-form foundation for contemporary dance. The syncopated rhythms and improvisational nature of jazz can inspire dancers to create spontaneous and expressive choreography.
- World music: World music, including music from different cultures and traditions, can provide an exciting and diverse backdrop for contemporary dance. Dancers can draw inspiration from the rhythms, melodies, and instruments of world music to create culturally rich and globally influenced choreography.
- Original compositions: Some contemporary dancers work closely with composers to create original music specifically designed for their performances. This allows dancers to tailor the music to their choreography, creating a truly integrated and cohesive performance.