Contemporary dance is characterized by its emphasis on individuality and personal expression, its incorporation of elements from other dance forms, and its tendency to be performed in non-traditional spaces. It is not typically rooted in classical ballet techniques.

Alvin Ailey is an American choreographer who is known for his groundbreaking work in contemporary dance. His work often explores themes of identity, race, and social justice.

Jazz dance is not a style of contemporary dance. Modern dance, postmodern dance, and hip hop dance are all styles of contemporary dance.

The Cunningham technique is a technique developed by Merce Cunningham that involves using chance operations to determine the structure and movement of a dance.

Tatsumi Hijikata, Kazuo Ohno, and Sankai Juku are all choreographers who are known for their work in butoh, a Japanese dance form that emphasizes slow, controlled movements and intense emotional expression.

The Forsythe Company is a contemporary dance company founded by William Forsythe in 1999.

Postmodern dance is characterized by its rejection of traditional notions of form and structure, its emphasis on the individual dancer's creativity and expression, and its incorporation of elements from everyday life and popular culture. It is not typically performed in a proscenium theater.

Akram Khan Company is a contemporary dance company founded by Akram Khan in 1992.

Classical ballet technique is not a technique used in contemporary dance. Contact improvisation, release technique, and floorwork are all techniques used in contemporary dance.

Merce Cunningham Dance Company is a contemporary dance company founded by Merce Cunningham in 1953.

Release technique is not based on the principles of classical ballet technique. It emphasizes the use of gravity and momentum, allows for a wide range of movement possibilities, and encourages dancers to explore their own unique movement style.

The Trisha Brown Dance Company is a contemporary dance company founded by Trisha Brown in 1970.

Jazz dance is not a style of contemporary dance that emerged in the 1960s. Postmodern dance, minimalism, and neoclassicism are all styles of contemporary dance that emerged in the 1960s.

The Frankfurt Ballet is a contemporary dance company founded by William Forsythe in 1979.

Pirouette is not a technique used in contact improvisation. Rolling, sliding, and lifting are all techniques used in contact improvisation.