Merce Cunningham was a pioneer in postmodern dance, known for his innovative approach to choreography, use of chance procedures, and collaboration with artists from other disciplines.

Martha Graham is widely regarded as one of the founders of American modern dance, known for her powerful and expressive style, exploration of psychological themes, and innovative use of movement.

Alvin Ailey was a groundbreaking choreographer and dancer, known for his work in African-American dance and the creation of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a renowned contemporary dance company.

William Forsythe is a renowned choreographer known for his innovative use of technology and multimedia in contemporary dance, pushing the boundaries of the art form through his experimental and interdisciplinary work.

Wayne McGregor is a British choreographer known for his work in contemporary ballet and the creation of the Royal Ballet's contemporary dance company, Rambert Dance. He is known for his innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating technology and multimedia into his work.

Tatsumi Hijikata is considered one of the pioneers of Japanese butoh dance, a form of contemporary dance known for its slow, deliberate movements, exploration of the body's limits, and use of unconventional performance spaces.

Antonio Gades was a renowned choreographer and dancer known for his work in contemporary flamenco dance and the creation of the company, Compania Andaluza de Danza. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of flamenco dance.

Akram Khan is a British choreographer and dancer known for his work in contemporary Indian dance and the creation of the company, Akram Khan Company. He is known for his innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating elements of kathak, contemporary dance, and other art forms.

Germaine Acogny is a Senegalese choreographer and dancer known for her work in contemporary African dance and the creation of the company, Les Ballets Africains. She is considered a pioneer in the development of contemporary African dance and has been influential in promoting African dance on the international stage.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is a Belgian choreographer and dancer known for his work in contemporary dance and the creation of the company, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui Company. He is known for his innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating elements of hip hop, martial arts, and other art forms.

Ohad Naharin is an Israeli choreographer and dancer known for his work in contemporary dance and the creation of the company, Batsheva Dance Company. He is known for his innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating elements of improvisation, contact improvisation, and other art forms.

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker is a Belgian choreographer and dancer known for her work in contemporary dance and the creation of the company, Rosas. She is known for her innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating elements of music, visual art, and other art forms.

Maguy Marin is a French choreographer and dancer known for her work in contemporary dance and the creation of the company, Compagnie Maguy Marin. She is known for her innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating elements of theater, visual art, and other art forms.

Lloyd Newson is a British choreographer and dancer known for his work in contemporary dance and the creation of the company, DV8 Physical Theatre. He is known for his innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating elements of theater, visual art, and other art forms.

Pina Bausch was a German choreographer and dancer known for her work in contemporary dance and the creation of the company, Tanztheater Wuppertal. She is known for her innovative and experimental approach to choreography, often incorporating elements of theater, visual art, and other art forms.