Contemporary Dance or Modern Dance?
First of all, if we are being strictly academic, the precise definition of Contemporary Dance and Modern Dance is very distinct (salute to academia...). But if we purely focus on appreciation of performing arts and dance works, the message/intention brought out by the dance itself in terms of visual, meaning or other aspects are definitely more important.
So what is Contemporary Dance, and what is Modern Dance? Are they the same thing? After all it is an art form from the West, it is better to use a little it of English to explain it. 當代舞 is Contemporary Dance, while 現代舞 is Modern Dance. The dance culture and background of the two are completely different. It's not like "modern people dance modern dance" - modern art in fact refers to artworks created from the 1880s to 1970s (there is another saying that it is divided by World War II); contemporary art refers to artworks created after 1970 (or after World War II).
In addition to distinguishing by era, the two has greater difference as well. Modern dance started in Germany and the United States. At that time, it was regarded as a product of anti-classical ballet. There is also a saying that it is not specifically anti-classical ballet, but the magnification of majestic quality. There are many technique in terms of schooling in modern dance, but what they generally pursued is not the strict body language of classical ballet, nor combination of classical movements and tricks, nor beautiful dance tutus or pointe shoes - they no longer are limited to arts for nobles and gorgeous stages. What they are pursuing is no longer lofty nor untouchable nobleness, but more civilian and freer performing arts, such as performance art, contact improvisation, release technique and improvisation.
The biggest difference between Contemporary Dance and Modern Dance is that Contemporary Dance no longer excludes classical dances (such as classical ballet) - they use techniques developed from Modern Dance to bring everything together and not necessarily in a narrative form. Contemporary Dance places more emphasis on innovation and freedom, and often revolves around what's happening in society. Valuing experimentation and process, they often redefine existing concepts and incoporate Yoga and Pilates practice for training. In short, Contemporary Dance is a more "up-to-date nowadays" art.
In a nutshell, the names of Contemporary Dance and Modern Dance are not slips of the tongue, but they are essentially different and have completely different context.