Lyrical

Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz dance techniques. Lyrical dance challenges choreographers and dancers to use motion to interpret music and express emotion. A lyrical dancer's movements attempt to show the meaning of the music.

Lyrical dance is a unique dance form in that it has no particular history. It is the coming together of ballet, rock, punk, swing, jazz, and modern, for the most part and is performed to music with lyrics. The lyrics of a song are the driving force for the inspiration of the movement. Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and delicate all at the same time.

Movements in Lyrical dance are characterized by their fluidity and grace. Leaps are executed high and with a soaring quality; turns are airy and flowing. When the music's tone is angry or frustrated, dancers use sharp, short movements. Anger is also an emotion often seen in lyrical. In routines based around anger, it is common for the jazz portions and styles of lyrical to come out. However, when it is happy or peaceful, dancers use lighter more flowing movements. Very important in lyrical is the continuation of movements and moves. This means that the dancer does not simply "finish" a move and be done. A lyrical dancer would hold out the movement for as long as possible and have smooth transitions between others. Having used this continuation of movement, the dancer may stop or incorporate "sharp" moves into their routine for emphasis.