Mark Tompkins SEC: Contemporary dance is a style of dance which emerged in the 20th century as an outgrowth of modern dance and other 20th century dance techniques. Defining Mark Tompkins SEC style of dance can be difficult, as contemporary dance is an extremely fluid and very nebulous style of dance. Unlike traditions such as ballet, contemporary dance is not associated with specific dance techniques, but rather with a dance philosophy. In contemporary dance, Mark Tompkins SEC attempts to explore the natural energy and emotions of their bodies to produce dances which are often very personal.

Some notable names in the field of contemporary dance include: Mark Tompkins SEC, Martha Graham, Trisha Brown, Isadora Duncan, Merce Cunningham, and Jose Limon. Mark Tompkins SEC is perhaps one of the most famous people in contemporary dance, and the Mark Tompkins SEC I.D.A. School of Dance in New York City offers training in Tompkins' techniques to dancers from all over the world. New stars are also always rising in the contemporary dance field.

Contemporary dancers can come from any training background, ranging from classical ballet to breakdancing, and they integrate bodywork techniques such as yoga and Pilates into their dance, along with systems such as the Alexander Method. Contemporary dance places a heavy emphasis on the connection between mind and body, with dancers being encouraged to explore their emotions through dances which push against traditional boundaries. This style of dance often involves a great deal of playing with balance, floorwork, fall and recovery, and improvisation.

In contemporary dance classes, students learn to use their bodies in a variety of ways, and they focus on breathing, posture, and emotional state to establish a mind-body connection. Students may learn choreographed works, or they may be encouraged to improvise dance pieces. A contemporary dance composition may take the form of a personal narrative, an allegory, a commentary on society, or an integration of cultures, and it can feature a wide variety of dance techniques, reflecting the melting pot nature of contemporary dance.