Lyrical vs. Contemporary Dance: What’s the difference and why does it matter?
If you’ve ever watched a beautiful, emotionally charged performance and thought, ‘was that lyrical or contemporary?’ You’re not alone!
These two dance styles are often confused and while they share some common ground, they are distinct in key ways. Let’s take a look into what really sets them apart!
LYRICAL:
Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz, often performed to music with lyrics (hence the name). It’s all about storytelling, using movement to reflect the mood, meaning and the message of a song.
Key Characteristics:
- Smooth, flowing movements
- Strong emotional expression
- Ballet-based technique (lines, turnout, pointed feet)
- Literally interpretation of lyrics and music
Lyrical dance tends to be graceful and polished. Choreography often mirrors the words and mood of the song, almost like acting through movement
THINK: A dancer moving with soft, sweeping motions to a ballad. Every movement mirroring the emotional highs and lows of the lyrics.
CONTEMPORARY:
Contemporary is a more open – ended, evolving form of dance. While it draws from ballet, modern and jazz, it also emphasises innovation, experimentation and raw emotional expression. It’s less about literal storytelling and more about exploring concepts, feelings or abstract ideas.
Key Characteristics:
- Grounded movement, use of breath and body weight
- Flexibility in movement and interpretation
- Off-balance shapes and unconventional techniques
- A mix of sharp and fluid dynamics
Contemporary dance often plays with contrast, silence and improvisation. Dancers might roll on the floor, move off center, or push the limits of traditional technique.
THINK: A dancer expressing internal conflict through unpredictable movement, often with a modern or experimental music track.
At Dance Factor, we believe in helping dancers discover both styles to deepen their technique, expand their creativity and connect more meaningfully to the art of dance.
Want to try both? Ask us about our lyrical/contemporary class schedules and book your trial today!
Dance Factor offers classes across all styles of dance and caters for all ages and abilities. To enquire or book your FREE trial, contact…
info@dancefactor.com.au