Dance has been for centuries a personal and vibrant expression of humanities bleakest and most triumphant moments. The development of modern dance paved a new way for expression of thought and new ideas that were emerging at the time. With the turn of the century in 1900, many political and social changes were taking place in America and Europe.

Dance had been somewhat strictly regulated and formally structured for ages. Ballet had been the pinnacle and most widely established form of dance. But as the new century dawned along with political fears of fascism in Europe and the great depression in America, also the new advancement in liberal contemplation, there became a need for change.

Traditional Ballet dancers and became frustrated with the symbol of imperialism and the rigidity of formal dance. They were now seeking other influences form various cultures, religions, myths and different countries. Dancers and choreographers began exploring the roots of many other philosophies and civilizations. Dancers felt the need to express their opinions, feelings and desires rather than fit into a mould that was seen as limiting and tedious.

With this exploration and discovery of various cultures, these dance artists now began incorporating influences and techniques they had witness in other parts of the world. This was the advent of the modern dance movement as dancers began to embrace the idea of free form movement and previously unrecognized methods and styles.

It has evolved over the years into a great melting pot of expressions from many different societies. Dancers believed that through their movements, they could now truly express and depict the social and political changes that were taking place around them.

Dance became a vital method of communication as well as a diverse and dynamic art form. The importance of distinctive forms of expression had now become very much apparent.

A lot of modern dance techniques borrowed from African inspiration. Jazz became a huge part of the new dance movement. Greek mythology also played a role in the formation of certain dance procedure. As modern dance became more widely appreciated and recognized it progressed even further.

Modern dance now began incorporating more traditional methods from background of ballet. This amalgamation of modern and conventional styles produced what we have today as Post modern or contemporary dance. A form of dance that is both wildly free and explicitly raw in manifestation yet still holds the age old significance of traditional composition.