Modern Dance: Pioneers and Influential Artists

1. Modern Dance A Brief History: Pioneers

2. What is Modern? • The rebellion against ballet • Emphasis on effort of dance • Natural body movements • Began in the late 1800s/early 1900s

3. Isadora Duncan 1877-1927 • “Mother of Modern Dance”, Laid the foundation of modern dance • Believed art was about personal expression • No more corsets and slippers, Duncan was the first to rebel against ballet and use free flowing movement and barefoot technique • Typical attire was a simple tunic and bare feet • Was seen as vulgar almost like nudity • Style focused on the chest and consisted of walks, skips, jumps, and runs • Died September 14, 1927 in freak accident (Death by Scarf)

4. Ruth St. Denis 1879-1968 • In 1938, Ruth St. Denis founded one of the first dance departments in America at Adelphi University. • She started a dance company called Denishawn, with her husband, Ted Shawn • Martha Graham was one of her more famous pupils. • Her choreography was influenced by the East and the Orient. • She is known for her ornate costumes and set pieces. • Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn were also instrumental in creating the legendary dance festival, Jacob's Pillow.

5. Martha Graham 1894-1991 • Generally accepted as the greatest single figure in American modern dance • Danced with Denishawn from 1916-1923 • Created “Graham technique,” This style focuses on the pelvis and spine/abs. • Dances were about heroic women in myths and history • Her choreography was often used to express her passions and rages. • Graham developed the principles of “contraction” and “release” • Graham technique was notable for its nervous energy. It was based on a study of breathing

6. Prominent Modern Artists Doris Humphrey • Created theory of fall and recovery Charles Weidman • Known for abstract, rhythmic pantomime Hayna Holm • German modern artist • Brought modern dance to Broadway musicals

7. Erick Hawkins 1909-1994 • Joined the Graham company in 1938 he became her principle partner • Married Martha Graham • Created his own technique, softening the Graham technique, infusing it with nature imagery; the moon, stars, desert, and sea • His concepts are based on kinesiology.

8. MerceCunningham 1919-2009 • Member of the Graham company from 1939-1945 • Most influential of Graham’s students • Mixed elements of music, set, costumes, and dance- shifting their relationship • Applied philosopher/composer John Cage’s theory that “any sound can be music” to dance and realize that any movement can be dance • Dance by Chance • Known for decentralizing his dancers-moving them all over the stage in a random scattered way

9. Alvin Ailey 1931-1989 • The first to give black dancers and choreographers opportunities in concert dance. • Ailey began his company by looking for dancers with unique qualities-not only strong personalities but also impeccable technique. • His choreography related to the prejudices he endured as an African American and his struggles growing up in a small East Texas town after being abandoned by his father at a young age. • His move famous piece is “Revelations.” Revelations tells the story of slavery.

10. Pilobolus (dance company) Connecticut based company of choreographers and dancer-athletes committed to developing original works each year. Make shapes out of their bodies