What is Interpretive Dance?

There are many forms of dance and all of them, in some way, can be described as interpretive dance, because dancing to music traditionally is the performer’s interpretation of a story. The actual art form of interpretive dance, however, is a bit different and can seem confusing, if you yourself are not artistically minded.

All forms of dance started out as a way to tell a story and each dancer played a role. This is how ballets came to popularity; they were plays set to music without words. It is a beautiful expression of emotion and feeling and everyone interprets it differently.

Modern dance is often referred to as interpretive dance. The movements, like all other forms, help you feel the emotion the dancer feels. It can be described as having rawness to it as the dancers allow their entire bodies to move.

Interpretive dance encourages your creativity and is not as demanding as jazz or ballet. It also does not require perfect form or movements. It is encouraged to be different and allow yourself to let the music carry your movements.

Some people are confused by interpretive dance and cannot understand the art behind it. It is no different than artists who put paint on a canvas to express their emotions and view of the world. Interpretive dancers are artists who use movement of their body to create their work.

If you want to experience what it feels like, turn on music and allow yourself to move naturally with the beat. Do not think about the movement, let it happen.