noun HSK 5
Traditional 現代舞
xiàn dài
modern dance · contemporary dance

Meaning

现代舞 refers to modern or contemporary dance as an art form that emerged in the early 20th century as a departure from classical ballet. It emphasizes expressive movement, individual interpretation, and often explores emotional and social themes through choreography.

Usage

This term is used in artistic and cultural contexts to discuss dance performances, dance education, and choreography. It's commonly seen in university dance programs, performance venues, and arts criticism. Native speakers use it to distinguish this style from classical dance forms like 芭蕾舞 (ballet) or traditional folk dances.

Examples

  1. 01
    她从小就喜欢现代舞,梦想成为一名舞蹈家。
    cóng xiǎo jiù huan xiàn dài , mèng xiǎng chéng wéi míng dǎo jiā.
    She has loved modern dance since childhood and dreams of becoming a dancer.
  2. 02
    这个周末艺术中心有一场现代舞演出。
    Zhè ge zhōu shù zhōng xīn yǒu chǎng xiàn dài yǎn chū.
    There's a modern dance performance at the arts center this weekend.

Characters

Measure words

  • zhǒng一种现代舞
  • chǎng一场现代舞表演

Common collocations

  • 现代舞表演
    xiàn dài biǎo yǎn
    modern dance performance
  • 现代舞
    xué xiàn dài
    to study modern dance
  • 现代舞编舞
    xiàn dài biān
    modern dance choreography

Antonyms

Origin

The term literally means 'present-era dance,' coined in Chinese to translate Western concepts of 'modern dance' that developed in the early 1900s. The word 现代 (modern) combined with 舞 (dance) directly conveys its contemporary nature.

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