History of Dance Unit 6 ReviewModern Dance in the Mid–20th Century

Historical Context

• Emerged in the early 20th century as a rebellion against the rigidity and formalism of classical ballet
• Influenced by social, political, and cultural changes of the time, including women's suffrage, World War I, and the Industrial Revolution
• Pioneers sought to create a new form of dance that was more expressive, natural, and connected to human emotions and experiences
• Developed in the United States and Europe, particularly in Germany (Ausdruckstanz) and the United States (Modern Dance)
• Coincided with other avant-garde artistic movements, such as Expressionism, Surrealism, and Dadaism
• Reflected a growing interest in non-Western dance forms and philosophies, such as African and Asian dance traditions
• Challenged traditional gender roles and stereotypes in dance, with women taking on more prominent roles as choreographers and soloists

Key Figures and Pioneers

• Isadora Duncan (1877-1927): American dancer who rejected classical ballet in favor of a more natural, expressive style inspired by ancient Greek art and philosophy
  • Known for her flowing, uncorseted costumes and bare feet
  • Emphasized the importance of the solar plexus as the center of movement and expression
• Ruth St. Denis (1879-1968) and Ted Shawn (1891-1972): American dancers who founded the Denishawn School, which trained many future modern dance pioneers
  • St. Denis drew inspiration from Eastern dance forms and spirituality, creating works such as "Radha" and "Incense"
  • Shawn explored masculine movement and athleticism in works like "Kinetic Molpai" and "Labor Symphony"
• Martha Graham (1894-1991): American dancer and choreographer who developed a new technique based on the principle of contraction and release
  • Created iconic works such as "Appalachian Spring," "Lamentation," and "Night Journey"
  • Influenced by Freudian psychology and Greek mythology
• Doris Humphrey (1895-1958) and Charles Weidman (1901-1975): American dancers who explored the concept of fall and recovery in their technique and choreography
  • Collaborated on works such as "Water Study" and "The Shakers"
  • Humphrey's most famous solo work is "Two Ecstatic Themes"
• Hanya Holm (1893-1992): German dancer who brought Expressionist dance to the United States and developed a technique based on the principles of space, rhythm, and dynamics
• Katherine Dunham (1909-2006): African-American dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist who incorporated Caribbean and African dance elements into her work
  • Founded the Katherine Dunham Dance Company and the Dunham Technique

Influential Techniques and Styles

• Graham Technique: Developed by Martha Graham, based on the principle of contraction and release
  • Emphasizes the use of the pelvis and the breath as the source of movement
  • Incorporates sharp, angular, and percussive movements
  • Utilizes floor work and off-balance positions
• Humphrey-Weidman Technique: Developed by Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, based on the concept of fall and recovery
  • Explores the body's relationship to gravity and the use of weight and momentum
  • Emphasizes the importance of breath and the torso in initiating movement
  • Incorporates arching, spiraling, and circular movements
• Holm Technique: Developed by Hanya Holm, based on the principles of space, rhythm, and dynamics
  • Emphasizes the use of the spine and the limbs in creating expressive movement
  • Incorporates improvisation and the use of imagery and visualization
  • Utilizes the concepts of tension and relaxation, as well as the interplay between stillness and motion
• Dunham Technique: Developed by Katherine Dunham, incorporating elements of Caribbean and African dance
  • Emphasizes the use of the pelvis and the isolation of body parts
  • Incorporates polyrhythmic movement and the use of the breath
  • Utilizes a low center of gravity and a grounded, earthy quality
• Lester Horton Technique: Developed by Lester Horton, emphasizing the use of the upper body and the extension of the limbs
  • Incorporates flat backs, hinges, and lateral stretches
  • Utilizes fortifications, or specific body positions, as a basis for movement
  • Emphasizes the importance of strength, flexibility, and control

Major Works and Performances

• "Appalachian Spring" (1944): Choreographed by Martha Graham, with music by Aaron Copland
  • Depicts the story of a pioneer woman on her wedding day and the building of a new life in America
  • Utilizes Graham's signature technique of contraction and release, as well as symbolic gestures and props
• "Lamentation" (1930): Solo work choreographed and performed by Martha Graham
  • Expresses the universal experience of grief and sorrow through the use of a simple, stretchy costume and minimal movement
  • Showcases Graham's ability to convey deep emotion through the body alone
• "Water Study" (1928): Choreographed by Doris Humphrey, with no musical accompaniment
  • Explores the qualities of water, such as fluidity, resistance, and buoyancy, through the use of fall and recovery technique
  • Demonstrates Humphrey's interest in the natural world and the expressive potential of pure movement
• "The Shakers" (1931): Choreographed by Doris Humphrey, with music by Wallingford Riegger
  • Depicts the religious fervor and ecstatic movement of the Shaker community, drawing on historical research and authentic Shaker hymns
  • Showcases Humphrey's ability to create a sense of community and shared experience through ensemble work
• "Primitive Mysteries" (1931): Choreographed by Martha Graham, with music by Louis Horst
  • Draws on Native American and Mexican religious rituals to explore themes of birth, death, and rebirth
  • Utilizes Graham's signature floor work and percussive movements, as well as elaborate costumes and sets
• "Revelations" (1960): Choreographed by Alvin Ailey, with music by various African-American composers
  • Celebrates the African-American experience and the human spirit through a suite of dances set to spirituals, gospel, and blues music
  • Incorporates elements of Graham, Horton, and Dunham techniques, as well as African and Caribbean dance forms

Artistic Philosophy and Themes

• Rejection of classical ballet's emphasis on virtuosity, artifice, and strict codification
  • Sought to create a more natural, expressive, and democratic form of dance
  • Emphasized the importance of individual creativity and personal expression
• Exploration of the human condition and universal human experiences
  • Depicted themes such as love, loss, grief, joy, and the struggle for freedom and identity
  • Drew on personal experiences, as well as historical, mythological, and cultural sources
• Connection to the natural world and the elements
  • Explored the qualities and rhythms of water, air, earth, and fire through movement
  • Emphasized the importance of breath, gravity, and the body's relationship to space
• Interest in non-Western dance forms and philosophies
  • Incorporated elements of African, Caribbean, Asian, and Native American dance into their work
  • Explored concepts such as ritual, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit
• Emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary work
  • Worked closely with composers, visual artists, and designers to create holistic, multimedia performances
  • Believed in the power of dance to communicate ideas and emotions across disciplinary boundaries
• Commitment to social and political activism
  • Used dance as a means of addressing issues such as war, poverty, racism, and gender inequality
  • Believed in the transformative power of art to create social change and promote understanding and empathy

Cultural Impact and Reception

• Challenged traditional notions of dance and the role of women in society
  • Pioneered by female choreographers and soloists who asserted their creative and personal agency
  • Rejected the ideal of the submissive, ethereal ballerina in favor of a more grounded, powerful, and expressive female dancer
• Reflected and influenced broader cultural and artistic movements of the time
  • Aligned with the avant-garde, modernist, and progressive ideals of the early 20th century
  • Contributed to the development of other art forms, such as music, visual art, and theater
• Received both praise and criticism from audiences and critics
  • Praised for its innovation, expressiveness, and ability to communicate deep human truths
  • Criticized by some for its departure from classical technique and its perceived lack of beauty and grace
• Helped to establish dance as a serious and legitimate art form in the United States and Europe
  • Contributed to the growth of dance education, scholarship, and criticism
  • Paved the way for the acceptance and appreciation of modern dance in mainstream culture
• Influenced popular culture and media
  • Modern dance elements and aesthetics were incorporated into Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and television shows
  • Modern dancers became cultural icons and celebrities, such as Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan
• Contributed to the development of dance therapy and other somatic practices
  • Emphasized the connection between mind, body, and emotion in movement
  • Explored the therapeutic and transformative potential of dance for individuals and communities

Legacy and Influence on Contemporary Dance

• Established modern dance as a distinct and legitimate art form, separate from classical ballet
  • Paved the way for the development of other contemporary dance styles, such as postmodern dance, dance theater, and physical theater
  • Influenced the creation of new dance techniques and training methods, such as release technique and contact improvisation
• Expanded the vocabulary and expressive range of dance
  • Introduced new movements, gestures, and qualities, such as contraction and release, fall and recovery, and the use of breath and weight
  • Emphasized the importance of individual interpretation and personal expression in performance
• Challenged traditional gender roles and body types in dance
  • Celebrated the strength, athleticism, and diversity of the human body
  • Provided opportunities for female choreographers and dancers to take on leadership roles and explore new identities
• Influenced the development of dance in higher education and academia
  • Led to the creation of dance departments and programs in colleges and universities
  • Contributed to the growth of dance scholarship, research, and criticism
• Inspired new generations of choreographers and dancers to push the boundaries of the art form
  • Contemporary choreographers continue to draw on the themes, techniques, and philosophies of modern dance pioneers
  • Modern dance principles and aesthetics have been incorporated into other dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, and hip-hop
• Promoted the idea of dance as a means of social and political activism
  • Contemporary dance artists continue to use their work to address issues of social justice, identity, and cultural diversity
  • Dance remains a powerful tool for communication, expression, and transformation in the face of ongoing challenges and inequalities

Notable Companies and Institutions

• Martha Graham Dance Company: Founded in 1926 by Martha Graham
  • One of the oldest and most influential modern dance companies in the United States
  • Continues to perform Graham's repertoire, as well as new works by contemporary choreographers
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Founded in 1958 by Alvin Ailey
  • Known for its diverse repertoire, including works by Ailey and other African-American choreographers
  • Performs nationally and internationally, promoting the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition
• José Limón Dance Company: Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey
  • Preserves and performs the works of Limón and Humphrey, as well as new works by contemporary choreographers
  • Emphasizes the importance of musicality, drama, and the expressive potential of the human body
• Paul Taylor Dance Company: Founded in 1954 by Paul Taylor
  • Known for its eclectic repertoire, ranging from lyrical and romantic to humorous and satirical
  • Performs Taylor's works, as well as commissions by other contemporary choreographers
• Merce Cunningham Dance Company: Founded in 1953 by Merce Cunningham and John Cage
  • Pioneered the use of chance procedures and the separation of music and dance in choreography
  • Emphasized the autonomy of the individual dancer and the democratization of the performance space
• Juilliard School Dance Division: Established in 1951 by Martha Hill
  • One of the most prestigious dance training programs in the United States
  • Offers a comprehensive curriculum in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance techniques
• American Dance Festival: Founded in 1934 by Martha Hill and Mary Josephine Shelly
  • Annual summer festival held at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina
  • Presents performances, workshops, and classes by leading modern dance companies and choreographers
• Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival: Founded in 1933 by Ted Shawn
  • Oldest internationally acclaimed summer dance festival in the United States, located in Becket, Massachusetts
  • Presents a diverse range of dance styles and traditions, including modern, ballet, tap, hip-hop, and cultural dance forms