Contemporary vs Lyrical: What’s the Real Difference?

As dance teachers, we’ve all had that moment in class when a student asks, “What’s the difference between contemporary and lyrical?” And honestly, it can make us pause. Even within the dance world, the line between these two styles is famously blurred.

I’ll admit it: I don’t teach either style regularly, and for years I found myself unsure of the difference. But the more I’ve spoken to teachers and explored both genres, the clearer it’s become. So, let’s break it down—where each style comes from, how they differ, and why it matters for us as teachers.

Where Contemporary Comes From

Contemporary dance grew out of a desire to push beyond the strict rules of ballet. In the early 20th century, pioneers like Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham wanted to create something rawer, more connected to the body and the ground.

Contemporary is rooted in techniques like contraction and release, fall and recovery, spirals, and weight shifts. It’s often experimental, sometimes abstract, and doesn’t always move with the music in an obvious way. You might see it danced to silence, spoken word, or soundscapes. The purpose isn’t always to tell a story—it can be about exploring movement itself.

Where Lyrical Comes From

Lyrical dance, on the other hand, has its roots in the competition circuit of the late 20th century, particularly in the US. It blends ballet, jazz, and contemporary elements into something that feels familiar but emotionally heightened.

Lyrical is always danced to music with lyrics, and the movement is choreographed to reflect and embody the words of the song. Think of those moments when the dancer seems to pour the lyrics through their body—reaching, extending, leaping with passion. It’s about storytelling, emotion, and creating a strong connection with the audience.

How to Tell Them Apart

Here’s the simplest way I’ve heard it explained:

“If contemporary is the art gallery, lyrical is the cinema. One makes you think, the other makes you feel.”

• Contemporary explores movement, often abstract and experimental.
• Lyrical interprets music, driven by lyrics and emotion.

Both draw on ballet and jazz foundations, both use floorwork and extensions—but the intention is what sets them apart.

Why It Matters for Teachers

Even if you don’t teach contemporary or lyrical yourself, understanding the difference helps in so many ways. For school owners, it’s about knowing what you’re offering and how to label it on your timetable. For competition teachers, it’s about entering students in the right category. And for all of us, it’s about speaking the same language across the dance world.

Something to Think About

Contemporary and lyrical will probably always overlap a little—that’s the beauty of dance, it refuses to be boxed in. But by understanding the roots and purposes of each style, we can guide our students more confidently.

So next time a student asks you the question, remember: contemporary pushes boundaries, lyrical tells stories. And both remind us why dance has the power to move, challenge, and inspire.