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Introduction to Modern Dance

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Introduction to Modern Dance Introduction to Modern Dance History and Definitions The Purpose of Modern Dance Reaction to ballet and a rejection to the vaudeville circuit. Dance could be a social comment; it could lead to political reform Modern dance could make people think about real life and not about fantasies. Characteristics of Modern Dance No set curriculum No regular set of exercises No particular music No particular costume No particular body type Phases of Modern Dance 1900- Present 1900- 1940 Social, economic, and political changes raised new questions about morality, rights, freedom and the human condition. This new dance was not beautiful to the accustomed patron, but the beauty had not been defined. There was no fancy music or scenery. Loie Fuller (Goddess of Light) Choreographed natural movement and used improvisation techniques with silk costumes illuminated by multi colored lighting. 1862-1928 Isadora Duncan (1877-1927) Known as the mother of modern dance. Founded the “New System” of interpretive dance, blending poetry, music and rhythms of nature. She danced barefoot in simple greek apparel. Ruth St. Denis (1878-1968) Choreography had eastern influences from countries such as India and Egypt. Married her dance partner Ted Shawn and they developed the dance company Denishawn. The Big Four (1910-1945) The main choreographers during this period were Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman and Hanya Holm. The major theme for the works created was about the American spirit. The big four were influenced by the creators of the New Dance. Martha Graham (1894-1991) (Mother of American Dance) Founded the Martha Graham Dance Co. in 1926. Graham developed the principle of contraction and release. Founded the first Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance. Doris Humphrey (1895-1985) Humphrey was a leading soloist in Denishawn. Created the Humphrey- Weidman school and company with Charles Weidman. Created the theory of fall and recovery Charles Wiedman (1904-1975) Performed with Denishawn. Co-founder of the Humphrey-Weidman school and company. He was known for abstract, rhythmic pantomime. Hanya Holm (1893- 1992) Trained in Germany. Turned her attention to Broadway and choreographed 11 hits such as Kiss Me Kate and My Fair Lady. Introduced the Mary Wigman technique in New York City in 1931. The Second Generation (1935-1980) This is the time period when students of the Big Four struck out on their own. The Big Four used these students to develop their own techniques and then the students broke out. This resulted in more development and exploration. These techniques are still performed today. José Limón (1908-1972) Studied dance at the Humphrey- Weidman school. Practiced the principle of fall and recovery. Founder of the Limon Company which is still in existence. Paul Taylor (1930-?) Creator of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2. Danced for Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham and George Balanchine. Uses everyday gestures and modernist ideology. Merce Cunningham Former performer with Martha Graham. Developed Cunningham Technique which focuses on non-linear, non-climactic, non-psychological work. Meaning of choreography was to be determined by the observer. Alvin Ailey Created Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Inspired by gospel, spirituals and the blues. Revelations is his most critically acclaimed work. Erick Hawkins Student of George Balanchine. Developed the Hawkins Technique which is a forerunner of somatic dance techniques. Technique is inspired by kinesiology. Postmodernism (1960-1980) The postmodernists (“after-moderns”) rejected the techniques and theories of modern dance and experimented with new movement structures. Chance dance, happenings, contact improvisation, dance theatre and performance art were brought back fro m the early 1900’s. Twyla Tharp Danced for Paul Taylor. Created Twyla Tharp Dance. Choreographer for numerous broadway shows, hollywood movies. In 1988, Twyla Tharp Dance merged with American Ballet Theatre. Internationalism (1950-2000) Contemporary concert dance has no national face and no particular cultural face..
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