Contemporary dance techniques prioritize the expression of emotions and personal experiences through movement, rather than focusing solely on technical skill or traditional dance forms.

Contemporary dance often incorporates improvisation and spontaneous movement, allowing dancers to explore their own unique expressions and interpretations of the choreography.

Contemporary dance performances often feature electronic music, experimental soundscapes, or a mix of different musical genres, reflecting the eclectic and innovative nature of the dance form.

The Cunningham technique, developed by Merce Cunningham, emphasizes the use of gravity and momentum to create fluid and continuous movement, allowing dancers to explore the natural flow of their bodies.

The Graham technique, developed by Martha Graham, emphasizes emotional intensity and dramatic expression through the use of contractions, releases, and dynamic movements.

The Horton technique, developed by Lester Horton, emphasizes isolations, polycentrism, and off-center movements, allowing dancers to explore the full range of their physical capabilities.

The Limón technique, developed by José Limón, emphasizes organic movement and a deep connection to the earth, allowing dancers to explore the natural flow of their bodies and express their emotions through movement.

The Cunningham technique, developed by Merce Cunningham, is known for its use of improvisation, chance operations, and non-traditional movement materials, challenging dancers to explore new and unexpected ways of moving.

The Release technique, developed by Mary Wigman, emphasizes the release of muscular tension and the exploration of fluidity and freedom of movement.

Contact improvisation is a contemporary dance technique that emphasizes physical contact and improvisation between dancers, allowing them to explore the dynamics of touch and weight-sharing.

The Gaga technique, developed by Ohad Naharin, emphasizes spontaneous movement and the exploration of physical sensations, allowing dancers to connect with their bodies and express themselves through movement.

Floor work is a contemporary dance technique that emphasizes movement on the floor, allowing dancers to explore the relationship between their bodies and the ground.

The Butoh technique, developed in Japan, emphasizes the exploration of darkness, transformation, and the grotesque, allowing dancers to express their inner emotions and explore the boundaries of human experience.

Repetition and minimalism is a contemporary dance technique that emphasizes the use of repetition, minimalism, and the exploration of time, allowing dancers to create hypnotic and meditative movement sequences.

The Somatic technique, developed by various practitioners, emphasizes the exploration of body awareness and internal sensations, allowing dancers to connect with their bodies and move with greater consciousness and sensitivity.