Merce Cunningham was a pioneer in contemporary dance, known for his innovative approach to choreography, which emphasized chance operations and the exploration of movement possibilities.

Fall and Recovery is a technique commonly used in modern dance, where a dancer falls to the floor and then quickly rises, creating a dynamic and expressive movement.

Alvin Ailey was a prominent choreographer and dancer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His works often drew inspiration from African American culture and experiences, celebrating the beauty and resilience of the community.

Pas de Chat, meaning 'cat's step' in French, is a series of quick, light jumps in contemporary dance, where the dancer's feet barely leave the ground.

William Forsythe is a renowned choreographer who has pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance by incorporating technology and multimedia into his works, creating immersive and multisensory experiences.

Arabesque is a graceful movement in modern dance where a dancer balances on one leg while extending the other leg to the side, creating a long, elegant line.

Trisha Brown was a pioneering choreographer and dancer associated with the postmodern dance movement. Her works often deconstructed traditional dance forms and explored the relationship between movement, space, and time.

Pirouette is a spinning movement in contemporary dance where a dancer rotates rapidly on one spot, creating a sense of momentum and energy.

Liz Lerman is a choreographer and dancer who has pioneered the use of improvisation and audience participation in her contemporary dance works, creating interactive and engaging performances.

Sauté is a jump in modern dance where a dancer leaps into the air and lands with a bent knee, creating a sense of lightness and agility.

Crystal Pite is a Canadian choreographer known for her exploration of identity, gender, and sexuality through her contemporary dance works. Her pieces often delve into complex human relationships and emotions.

Undulation is a movement in contemporary dance where a dancer moves their body in a wave-like pattern, creating a sense of fluidity and grace.

Akram Khan is a British choreographer and dancer known for his use of physicality and athleticism in his contemporary dance works. His pieces often explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural heritage.

Spiral is a movement in modern dance where a dancer moves their body in a spiral pattern, creating a sense of continuity and flow.

Hofesh Shechter is an Israeli-British choreographer known for his exploration of social and political issues through his contemporary dance works. His pieces often address themes of conflict, displacement, and identity.