Can modern dance truly said to be dangerous these days? In the early 20th century, when visionaries like Loie Fuller, Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis were elaborating the modern dance, they defined its freedom against the authoritarian nature of classical ballet. The new forms, based in expressiveness, high degrees of abstraction and improvisatory whim, might have seemed positively revolutionary-possibly violently so.
But the 20th century has come and gone, and art never ushered in a revolution, though it might have played an ignoble role in a couple. The modern dance is old news by now, parodied and debased by postmodern mannerism and contemporary irony, its claims to freedom belied by the rise of African American dance and modern revivals of dance traditions throughout the world.
But the modern dance still might be dangerous: to you. Yes, you're one of the few Americans who doesn't cringe or laugh at the majesty of modern dance, and you've even given it a try. But if you dance without properly warming up and cooling down, the modern dance might lead you straight to the hospital. Always remember to stretch and always stop dancing if your body feels strain. Rest a while; you'll last longer.
 | The history of modern dance is a history of rebellion against restrictive forms. |
 | Modern dance steps, modelled on classical dance, can be fun and challenging to try. Here are a couple to get you started. |
 | Modern dancing has taken a number of twists and turns, so to speak, since its inception at the beginning of the 20th century. |
Modern dance moves share a few things with their classical predecessors, but they offer a new challenge even to seasoned ballerinas. |
The origins of modern dance involve a group of visionary women. |
