Ballet is a classical dance form that originated in Europe, while African dance, jazz dance, and hip hop dance are all cultural influences on contemporary dance.

Afro-Caribbean dance is a vibrant and diverse dance tradition that has had a profound influence on contemporary dance, particularly in the areas of rhythm, movement, and improvisation.

Jazz improvisation is a technique that allows dancers to create their own movements and sequences in the moment, based on the music and their own personal interpretation.

Krumping is a hip hop dance style that originated in the African-American community in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its aggressive, expressive movements and its focus on community and self-expression.

William Forsythe is a German-American choreographer who is known for his innovative work that explores the relationship between dance and technology. He has created numerous works that incorporate digital projections, motion capture, and other technological elements.

Ailey II is a contemporary dance company that was founded in 1974 as a junior company to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The company is known for its work that fuses traditional African dance with contemporary dance techniques.

Bill T. Jones is an American choreographer, dancer, and director who is known for his work that explores the relationship between dance and social issues. He has created numerous works that address issues such as race, sexuality, and AIDS.

Akram Khan Company is a contemporary dance company that was founded in 2000 by British choreographer Akram Khan. The company is known for its work that fuses traditional Indian dance with contemporary dance techniques.

Trisha Brown is an American choreographer, dancer, and visual artist who is known for her work that explores the relationship between dance and the natural world. She has created numerous works that incorporate elements of nature, such as wind, water, and gravity.

Sankai Juku is a contemporary dance company that was founded in 1975 by Japanese choreographer Ushio Amagatsu. The company is known for its work that fuses traditional Japanese dance with contemporary dance techniques.

Merce Cunningham is an American choreographer, dancer, and teacher who is known for his work that explores the relationship between dance and the human body. He has created numerous works that challenge traditional notions of dance and movement.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre is a contemporary dance company that was founded in 1973 by Taiwanese choreographer Lin Hwai-min. The company is known for its work that fuses traditional Chinese dance with contemporary dance techniques.

Hofesh Shechter is an Israeli-British choreographer, dancer, and composer who is known for his work that explores the relationship between dance and the urban environment. He has created numerous works that are set in urban spaces and that address issues such as violence, poverty, and social inequality.

Baram Dance Company is a contemporary dance company that was founded in 1992 by Korean choreographer Kim Seong-hoon. The company is known for its work that fuses traditional Korean dance with contemporary dance techniques.

Akram Khan is a British choreographer, dancer, and director who is known for his work that explores the relationship between dance and the digital world. He has created numerous works that incorporate digital projections, motion capture, and other technological elements.