Contemporary dance emerged in the 1950s as a dance form combining elements of modern dance and classical ballet. It draws on both modern and postmodern dance as a source of inspiration. It involves abstract movements, random changing of rhythm and directions, classical leg technique, creative freedom and few suspension of perspective and symmetry as in ballet.

Contemporary dance is considered to be an expression of human spirit not restricting it to be just a dance to be analyzed. There is usually a choreographer who makes the creative decisions and has a control over the aesthetic value and overall performance of the composition.