1. Rejection of Classical Ballet: In the early 20th century, many artists and dancers started to challenge the strict techniques, structures, and aesthetics of classical ballet. They felt a need to break free from the traditional forms and explore new possibilities in movement and expression.
2. Influence of Modern Dance: Modern dance, which emerged during the same period, played a significant role in the evolution of contemporary dance. Modern dance pioneers such as Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan questioned conventional techniques, emphasizing individual expression, emotional authenticity, and experimentation with movement.
3. Technological and Cultural Changes: The 20th century saw significant technological advancements that led to changes in society, art, and culture. Contemporary dance responded to these transformations by incorporating new ideas, music, and inspiration from various cultures.
4. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Influence: Contemporary dance has been shaped by collaborations between dancers, choreographers, composers, musicians, visual artists, and other creative professionals. These interdisciplinary collaborations opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and expanded the boundaries of what dance could be.
5. Social and Political Context: Contemporary dance often reflects the social and political context in which it is created. It has been used as a tool for self-expression, social critique, and activism, exploring themes such as identity, gender, sexuality, human relationships, war, poverty, and environmental concerns.
As a result of these factors, contemporary dance evolved as a distinct genre that embraced innovation, individuality, and the exploration of new forms of movement, expression, and artistic collaboration.