Hi there. Was just going through some notes that I once took as a child learning modern dance (dating back to 1979). I have posted them here (times have a changed) would love any feedback as to whether the below points are still valid today for Modern Dance and if not, why not and what has changed (food for thought). Does anyone know of any useful threads pertaining to Modern Dance Technique?

STANCE.

Heels together, feet together, toes slightly back, weight over the balls of the feet.

Legs straight but not pressed.

Abdominal muscles held in.

Hips tucked down and under.

Ribs lifted off the hips, but never thrust forward.

Shoulders over hips and relaxed down.

Arms hanging by sides.

Head erect, highest point being crown of head.

Eyes front looking just above eye level.

Have fun with this Post!

I am training at a ballet and contemporary school in London now, and the above posted is the stance that we are aiming to adopt; with one exception. We generally place our feet hip width apart (not together) when in a parallel postition. I wonder if the notes that I make now will still be valid in 25 years times :p

What does "toes slightly back" mean?

hi there djb. I think what they mean when they talk about the toes, goes for the same as classical ballet:

Ankles to be well pulled up. no rolling inwards or outwards. even weight distribution over the entire foot area. toes should be stretched and not crunched. should be a small space between the metatarsals and the underneath of the big toes and aspace underneath the instep.

What do you think? Any thoughts, comments and or observations most welcome.

I agree that that's how the feet should be, but I still can't figure out why that should be described as toes being "back."