Skip to main content
Dance level test5 minutes

Contemporary level test: Which entry level fits you?

In short
  • A contemporary introduction for adults does not require years of prior experience or extreme flexibility.
  • Self-assessment is based on your own body awareness, everyday flexibility, and willingness to do floor work.
  • Beginner courses without prior knowledge focus on learning weight shifts and trusting your own body.
  • An honest self-test protects against being overwhelmed and ensures an injury-free, motivating start at the dance studio.

Contemporary Dance is fascinating because of its freedom and expressiveness. Our self-test helps you to realistically assess your physical readiness and your suitable entry level for contemporary dance, completely without any prior knowledge.

How to correctly assess your physical requirements

Starting contemporary dance is a long-held dream for many adults. Yet, uncertainty often creeps in about whether one's own body is up to the fluid movements, floor work, and rapid weight shifts. Unlike rigid dance styles, contemporary thrives on individuality: it is not about filling a perfect mold, but about understanding your own anatomy in space. A contemporary dance level test helps you assess your physical requirements and movement preferences without misplaced ambition.

Before you book your first class, you should ask yourself how you move in everyday life. Are you more of a structured type who needs clear choreography, or are you looking for a creative balance where you can simply shake off the stress of the day? If you want to get in the right mindset beforehand, it is worth taking a look at the guide Learning contemporary dance as an adult: Your easy start, which makes your first steps easier.

Take the Contemporary entry test

  1. How does your body react when you sit down on the floor and stand up again?

    • A: I have to support myself with my hands and do it rather slowly
    • B: It is easy for me, but it requires a brief moment of concentration
    • C: I glide smoothly down and stand up again without any effort
  2. How easy is it for you to follow a given movement in space?

    • A: I need several repetitions to understand the direction
    • B: After one or two attempts, I can roughly imitate the steps
    • C: I grasp the movement immediately and can execute it fluently right away
  3. Which physical activity best describes your daily life over the last few months?

    • A: I hardly do any sports and mainly move around in everyday life
    • B: I regularly do yoga, pilates, or light fitness training
    • C: I already dance another style or do intensive sports
  4. How do you react when a movement feels unfamiliar or uncoordinated?

    • A: I feel insecure and prefer to pause for a moment
    • B: I simply try again and laugh about the mental block
    • C: I intuitively adapt the movement so that it feels good to me

Your evaluation

Mostly A: The gentle start (Level 1)

The best way to start is in a course for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge. Here, you will learn the basics of weight shifting and lose your shyness regarding floor work. Look for courses that are advertised as Basics or Level 1.

Mostly B: The active cross-entry (Level 1-2)

You bring a good sense of body awareness from sports or other forms of movement. A standard beginner course that challenges you gently is ideal for you. You can quickly get used to fluid combinations in the room.

Most C: The smooth transition (Level 2)

Your previous experience allows you to jump straight into courses for intermediate beginners. You grasp dance terminology quickly and can focus on refining your technique and your artistic expression.

Entry levels in comparison

CriterionGentle entry (A)Active lateral entry (B)Fluid transition (C)
Prior knowledgeNo prior dance experience necessaryExperience from sports, yoga, or fitnessPrior experience in dance or gymnastics
Course focusBasic steps, weight transfer, balanceCoordination, spatial paths, dynamic changesComplex choreographies, expression, tempo
FloorworkVery gentle approach to floorworkSimple rolling and sliding movementsFast transitions between standing and lying
Body awarenessBuilt from scratch during the courseGood basic tension already presentVery good control over your own body

The classification serves as a guide for self-assessment before booking your first course with udansa.

From test result to your first step in the dance studio

After evaluating your answers, it is time for the practical implementation. The test does not show you what you cannot do, but where your natural strengths lie. For example, if you have a high affinity for fluid movements but still feel hesitant about the hard dance floor, you can specifically look for courses that offer a gentle introduction to floorwork. Your test result is a guide, not a rigid judgment.

Use this self-awareness to ask targeted questions when choosing a dance school. Many studios offer trial lessons where you can check the level directly on site. Make sure that the instruction meets your needs: A good course for adults picks you up exactly where you are physically today, and challenges you without overloading you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. No prior knowledge of ballet or other dance styles is required to start Contemporary. The courses for absolute beginners are structured so that you learn the basics from scratch.

Contemporary courses near you

Find the right studio for your start in contemporary dance.

View all matching courses

Find your start in the studio

Find the best studios for contemporary dance in your area on udansa, as well as like-minded people who share your passion for movement. Start your dance journey now, completely pressure-free.

Find your start in the studio

Read more