Contemporary/Modern Dance
This course blends techniques from ballet, jazz, modern and lyrical genres and will provide development through theory and practical application. The first period encompasses different styles of movement and technique. The second period will include choreography which students will participate with the instructor to create a contemporary piece. The class will emphasize the practice of composition skills, clarity of movement, initiation, body articulation, and dynamics of performance and will focus on the development of small group work and solos. Dance history will be included in this course in addition to discovering new contemporary choreographers and dancers. Written reports must be submitted.
THIS COURSE CAN BE TAKEN FOR COLLEGE CREDIT.
THE INSTRUCTOR
Madeline Yahr
Modern Dance
Madeline Yahr is a dancer, choreographer, and educator dedicated to cultivating technical proficiency, artistic curiosity, and creative confidence in dancers of all levels. She holds an MFA in Choreography from the University of Roehampton in London and a BA in Dance from Georgian Court University, where she was recognized with multiple academic and artistic scholarships for her excellence in performance, research, and contributions to the field.
Classically trained through the Royal Academy of Dance with distinctions across numerous levels, Madeline’s background integrates RAD, Balanchine, Cecchetti, and Vaganova methodologies. Her contemporary and modern training spans Horton, Limón, Graham, Cunningham, and Humphrey techniques, giving her a well-rounded, historically informed approach to movement education.
Madeline’s performance work includes appearances at Dance West Fest, the American College Dance Association, and various guest artist and faculty concerts at Georgian Court University. Her choreographic research and installation work have been presented internationally, including at the University of Roehampton and at the Black Mountain College Museum’s {Re}Happening Exhibition.
Madeline currently teaches at Georgian Court University, Monmouth University, and in K–8 educational settings, working with dancers in collegiate, pre-professional, and youth programs.
She has taught extensively throughout New Jersey and the United Kingdom, including l holding long-standing positions across numerous dance studios. Her teaching experience spans ballet, contemporary, lyrical, pointe, improvisation, and choreographic methods, and includes specialized work with dancers with physical and developmental disabilities.
Grounded in inclusivity, somatic awareness, and the belief that every dancer has a unique artistic voice, Madeline’s teaching emphasizes both rigor and exploration. She is committed to creating learning environments where students can develop strong technical foundations while cultivating their individual creative identities. Madeline is honored to bring her passion for dance education, research, and community-centered artistry to the Middlesex County College Dance Program.