MODERN DANCE

1. MODERN DANCE

2. Modern dance Developed in the 20th century out of the performer’s desire to communicate feelings or express ideas. Much of the change came about in America, where dancers were eager to discard the traditions of dance originally designed for royalty. Modern dancers wanted dances about real life. They wanted their movements to convey the meaning. They discarded ballet shoes and danced barefoot so they could “feel the earth” State of Louisiana Department of Education A Fine Arts Survey 1992

3. Isadora duncan Is called the “mother of modern dance,” because she was the first to break away from ballet. She was an American that became famous in Europe for dancing barefoot in loose, flowing garments and long scarves. Her dances were emotional interpretations of moods, suggested by nature or music. She showed little classical technique, but her presence and daring appealed to her audience. State of Louisiana Department of Education A Fine Arts Survey 1992

4. Isadora duncan State of Louisiana Department of Education A Fine Arts Survey 1992

5. At a modern dance concert, one would see dancers dancing barefoot and performing creative and expressive movements. • The dancers’ movements communicate the ideas or vision of the choreographer. A choreographer is a person who makes up a dance. • A modern concert is usually a mixed bill, not a full length work but a selection of several shorter works. • The music may include excerpts from any period including classical, primitive, or contemporary. It may be on tape or live with musicians on the stage or in the pit. Or there may be no music at all. • In modern dance there are no limits placed on music just as there are none on movement styles. State of Louisiana Department of Education A Fine Arts Survey 1992

6. While in classical ballet we admire the dancers’ technique and the spectacle, at a modern concert we are more likely to question the choreographer’s intent. • Even without understanding the meaning, we may admire the line and form of the choreography, the flow of the movements with the music, or the strength and vitality of the dancers. • Costumes can be simple or elaborate. • Often there is no set at all, and it is the work of the lighting designer that dresses the stage. State of Louisiana Department of Education A Fine Arts Survey 1992

7. There are many different types of modern dance, each with a distinct technique. • In general you will see the use of gravity and weightlessness not seen in ballet. • Collapsing, falling, contracting, and flexing may be all seen along with lifting, extending, and pointing. State of Louisiana Department of Education A Fine Arts Survey 1992