Lyrical dance is a modern dance form which fuses modern dance, jazz, and ballet. Lyrical dance is often referred to as contemporary dance. It requires excellent technique to perform, as the moves are often difficult and precise. Moreover, the dancer must be well aware of facial expressions, essentially acting, to properly perform a lyrical dance piece.

The origins of lyrical dance are unclear. The form is most often seen in live shows of contemporary music artists, like Celine Dion. Cirque du Soleil frequently combines elements of lyrical dance in their routines as well. The goal of the lyrical dancer is to convey the emotion of a song’s lyrics. Intense emotional expression of the face and body are necessary to tell a story that evolves along the lines of the song to which lyrical dance is performed.

Unlike other dance forms, lyrical dance is far less concerned with a dancer’s physique. Often excellent jazz and ballet dancers are drawn to the lyrical style because they lack the traditional dancer’s build. It is quite common to see lyrical dancers who have are not extremely thin. However, lyrical dance demands a high degree of flexibility and complicated lifts, so dancers with an nontraditional build still need to be in excellent physical shape to perform lyrical pieces.

Lyrical dance also appeals to those who are slightly older. Most dance teachers comment that it is quite difficult to teach lyrical dance to younger students, as they simply lack the ability to convey emotions they have yet to experience to any great degree. There are, of course, exceptions, but one frequently sees many lyrical dances performed by dancers who at the age of 25 to 30 are now considered too “old” for ballet.

Characteristic of the lyrical dance style is flowing dance moves that connect throughout the dance. The upper body movements are generally quite different from ballet styles, and one often sees body angles unfamiliar to either jazz or ballet. In some ways, the upper body movements resemble traditional African dance forms.

Lyrical dance is often performed with toes pointed in partner lifts or in leg lifts. Common practice now often demands leg lifts with toes flexed, which is much more challenging to one’s flexibility. Choreography frequently features partners, as interpreting ballads often means interpreting the intensity of love relationships, or lost love.

Lyrical dance is an evolving form, with most practitioners and choreographers better known for either their contributions to the jazz or ballet world. The form is receiving much attention through the Fox network reality show, So You Think You Can Dance. Choreographer Mia Michaels, who has her own successful lyrical company, is considered the program’s expert on lyrical. In last year’s season, the winner was a lyrical dancer. The show is definitely indicative of the general public's increased interest and appreciation of the dance form.