Doris Humphrey

Definition

Doris Humphrey was an influential American dancer and choreographer known for her contributions to modern dance in the early 20th century. She developed a unique movement style that emphasized the use of fall and recovery, creating a powerful emotional language in dance that connected with audiences. Humphrey's works are significant in the evolution of modern dance forms and helped shape the future of dance education.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Doris Humphrey was born on October 17, 1895, in Oak Park, Illinois, and went on to study at the Chicago Musical College.
2. She was a key figure in establishing modern dance as an art form and was one of the first to articulate a philosophy of movement through her choreography.
3. Humphrey's notable works include 'The Shakers' (1931), which reflected her interest in integrating movement with emotional content.
4. In addition to her choreography, she played an essential role in dance education, teaching at several institutions, including the Juilliard School.
5. Humphrey's legacy is preserved through her writings on dance technique and theory, which continue to influence dancers and choreographers today.

Review Questions

• How did Doris Humphrey's principles of fall and recovery influence modern dance?
  • Doris Humphrey's principles of fall and recovery introduced a natural and expressive way to convey emotions through movement in modern dance. This technique allowed dancers to embody both strength and vulnerability, illustrating life's inherent contrasts. By incorporating these principles into her choreography, Humphrey set a precedent for future dancers to explore deeper emotional narratives through their physical expressions.
• Evaluate Doris Humphrey's impact on the development of modern dance as an art form.
  • Doris Humphrey significantly shaped modern dance by introducing innovative movement techniques and philosophies that broke away from classical ballet traditions. Her choreography not only emphasized the emotional content behind movements but also inspired a generation of dancers and choreographers to pursue new forms of expression. Through her work with the Humphrey-Weidman Company and her teachings, she helped elevate modern dance to a respected art form within American culture.
• Critically analyze how Doris Humphrey's choreography reflects societal changes during her time and its relevance today.
  • Doris Humphrey's choreography mirrored societal changes by addressing themes of human experience, such as struggle, resilience, and community. Her work often resonated with the audience's emotional state during periods of transformation in society, such as the Great Depression. Today, her emphasis on storytelling through movement remains relevant as contemporary dancers continue to explore personal and social narratives through their art. By blending technical innovation with deep emotional expression, Humphrey's legacy endures in modern dance practices around the world.

Related terms

Fall and Recovery: A movement principle developed by Doris Humphrey that describes the natural rhythm of falling and recovering in dance, symbolizing the duality of life experiences.

Humphrey-Weidman Company: A dance company co-founded by Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman that became a vital force in the development of American modern dance.

Modern Dance: A genre of dance that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by its rejection of classical ballet conventions and exploration of new forms of expression.