Contemporary dance classes in Amsterdam
Discover contemporary dance classes in Amsterdam by watching how each teacher moves. Find the approach that speaks to you, then book.
11 contemporary teachers in Amsterdam
Teaching this week
Contemporary class schedule
Pick a slot that fits your week.
July 6 – July 12
Contemporary classes in Amsterdam start from €12.50 per class, or from €62.33 per month with a membership.
Contemporary class locations in Amsterdam
Why choose contemporary?
Dance that says something
Contemporary is the style people choose when they want movement to carry emotion: falls, spirals, suspensions and floorwork strung into phrases that feel like speaking. Class time goes into how a movement feels, not only how it looks.
Works with the body you have
The technique builds on breath, weight and momentum you already own rather than positions you must force, which makes it one of the most forgiving styles to start as an adult. Flexibility and control grow with the practice.
Contemporary vs Modern dance
Studios often use the names interchangeably. Historically they are two chapters of the same story.
Contemporary
- The current, open form: it mixes modern, ballet, improvisation and floorwork freely
- Not one codified technique; each teacher and company shapes their own approach
- Suits you if you want expressive, exploratory movement with today's choreographers
Modern Dance
- The early-1900s break from ballet, with named techniques like Graham, Limón and Cunningham
- More codified, built on set principles of contraction, release, fall and recovery
- Suits you if you want defined technique and dance history under your feet
Contemporary in Amsterdam: common questions
Can I start contemporary dance classes in Amsterdam with no experience?
Yes. Contemporary starts from natural movement, walking, breathing, shifting weight, and builds from there, so beginner classes in Amsterdam feel more like guided exploring than drilling positions. Watching a teacher's videos first shows whether their approach is technical or expressive.
What is the difference between contemporary and modern dance?
Modern dance is the early-twentieth-century movement that broke from ballet, with codified techniques like Graham and Limón. Contemporary is what came after: an open form that blends modern, ballet, improvisation and floorwork. Most classes labelled either way in Amsterdam teach the contemporary blend.
Do I need to be flexible for contemporary dance?
No. Flexibility helps eventually, but contemporary technique is built on breath, weight and momentum, which every body already has. Classes include stretching, so your range grows as a by-product of training rather than being an entry requirement.
What should I wear to a contemporary class?
Comfortable layers you can move and sweat in, nothing that restricts your shoulders or hips. Contemporary is danced barefoot or in socks, and there is floorwork, so leggings or joggers beat shorts for your knees. Bring water.
How do I find the right contemporary teacher in Amsterdam?
Watch how they move. Contemporary varies more between teachers than almost any style: some are athletic and floorwork-heavy, others slow and expressive. Scadana shows video previews of contemporary teachers from dance studios across Amsterdam so you can find the approach that resonates before booking.
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