Contemporary Dance Classes in Tulsa, OK

Contemporary is where dancers become artists. The style asks more than clean technique — it asks for emotional honesty, intention behind every movement, and a willingness to take creative risks. At Elite Dance of Tulsa, our contemporary classes give dancers the technical training and the artistic space to grow into expressive, thoughtful performers.

What Contemporary Dance Is

Contemporary dance grew out of modern dance pioneers like Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and José Limón — artists who pushed away from the strict rules of classical ballet to explore new ways the body could move and tell stories. Today's contemporary blends those modern roots with ballet, jazz, lyrical, and even improvisational influences. The result is one of the most versatile and emotionally rich styles in dance.

Contemporary is also the dominant artistic style at major dance conventions and competitions across Oklahoma and the country. Dancers serious about competition almost always train in contemporary.

What Students Learn in Contemporary

Fluid, weighted movement and dynamic shifts in energy
Floor work: transitions to and from the ground with control
Inversions and off-axis movement
Release technique — the principle of using gravity and breath
Improvisation and choreographic problem-solving
Connecting story, emotion, and intention to movement
Partnering fundamentals at advanced levels

Why Ballet Technique Matters in Contemporary

The most affecting contemporary dancers in the world are usually trained classically. Ballet gives contemporary its line, its control, and the technical precision that lets a dancer bend the rules artfully — because you can only break a rule beautifully if you know it cold. We strongly recommend pairing contemporary with our ballet program, especially for dancers who want to grow seriously.

Age Groups and Class Levels

Foundational Contemporary (Ages 8–10)

Younger dancers are introduced to contemporary through age-appropriate choreography that emphasizes musicality, body awareness, and self-expression. Floor work is introduced gently with strong attention to safe technique.

Intermediate Contemporary (Ages 11–13)

Dancers explore more complex movement vocabulary, longer combinations, and the beginnings of improvisation. Performance quality becomes a central focus.

Advanced Contemporary (Ages 14+)

Advanced contemporary pushes into the full range of the style — choreographic interpretation, complex floor work, partnering, and the artistry that defines top-level competitive and pre-professional dancers.

Contemporary on the Competition Stage

Our Elite Company performs contemporary routines at every competition. Contemporary is often where dancers earn their highest scores, because it demands the full package — technical execution, emotional storytelling, and artistic risk. It is also the category where judges most clearly see a dancer as an artist, not just a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between contemporary and lyrical?

Lyrical is a softer, more melodic style closely tied to the lyrics of a song. Contemporary is broader — it can be lyrical in moments, but it also includes harder edges, abstract concepts, and more abstract movement. Most modern competition contemporary contains lyrical elements but goes beyond them.

What should my dancer wear for contemporary class?

Form-fitting clothing — leotard, tights, or fitted dancewear that allows full movement. Contemporary is generally danced barefoot or in foot undeez.

My dancer is shy. Is contemporary still right for them?

Often, yes. Many quieter dancers find a powerful voice through contemporary because the style honors interior expression. It can be one of the most transformative styles a thoughtful young dancer takes on.