To the untrained eye, Ballet and Modern dance might seem very different, but there are many similarities. Modern dance was created by people who were tired of the restrictions of Ballet. But instead of making up new steps to their liking, they simply took the basic ballet positions and steps, and changed them. Modern dance is like Ballet without all of the rules. Modern dance allows you to make up steps of your own, but usually the steps somehow resemble Ballet.
Both Modern and Ballet dancing share the same concept of movement and shape. Other styles of dance such as Tap and Jazz focus on fast steps and the beat of the music, while Modern and Ballet are usually slower and more flowing and concentrate on shape. In other styles of dance, the music is a big part of the dance, and the steps are based on the music. The music for Modern and Ballet is mainly used to set the mood of the dance.
However, the two styles differ in significant ways. In Ballet, you must follow strict movements that can’t be altered much. But Modern dancers break those rules. Modern dance takes a basic movement and adds to it. There are different ways of performing the same step. Ballet steps always are done with turned out feet, unlike Modern, where steps can be done turned out or in parallel. Ballet is always prepared beforehand, but sometimes modern is improvised. Ballet is always light, and quite a few steps are done on tiptoe. Modern dance varies from leaps and jumps to steps performed on the ground. Classical music always accompanies Ballet. Music for Modern dancing uses unusual instruments and lots of drums. Ballet dancers wear a tutu or a dress, while modern costumes can have a skirt or pants. Sometimes modern costumes are very simple, and other times more elaborate. Ballet is always done in ballet slippers, or sometimes pointe shoes that allow dancers to be on the tips of their toes. Modern is done barefoot.
Modern dance was started as a revolt against ballet, but the two dances still share the same qualities. The next time you watch ballet and modern dancing, see if you can spot the similarities and differences.