Modern Dance Pioneers

1. Modern Dance Pioneers A brief history of modern dance The creation of an art form

2. Why was Modern Dance Different? • Rebelled against the rigid constraints of Classical Ballet • Focused on creative self-expression rather than on technical virtuosity • Modern dance is only approximately 100 years old (started around the turn of the 20th century) • Modern dance is often performed in bare feet • Modern dance often utilizes floor work • Modern dancers saw dance as a potential agent of change

3. Loie Fuller • Burlesque skirt dancer • Experimented with effects gas lighting had on her silk costumes • Natural movement and improvisation techniques • Revolutionary lighting equipment and translucent silk costumes • She patented her apparatus and methods of stage lighting that included: 1. colored gels 2. burning chemicals for luminescence 3. her voluminous silk stage costumes

4. http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=isadora+duncan&emb=0&aq=0&oq=Isadora#http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=isadora+duncan&emb=0&aq=0&oq=Isadora# Stressed improvisation, emotion, and the human form Inspired by the classics, especially Greek mythology Thought that classical ballet was "ugly and against nature" Believed in the creation of beauty and the education of the young Founded three schools Isadora Duncan

5. A New Dance School • Ruth St. Dennis and her husband, Ted Shawn, opened the Denishawn School • School was built on free dance of exoticism and mysticism • Designed to teach students in their own style • Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey were pupils there • Out of the Denishawn school came a new generation of dancers in the 1920s • Modern dance as a dance technique was given its form at this time

6. Make a Change Thought for the Day: What is a style of dance that makes you uncomfortable (or does not agree with your body)? What is it about that style that makes you feel this way? What would you like to change about that style?

7. Make a Change How can you use this discovery about yourself to improve as a dancer? How will you overcome discomfort in that style of dance?

8. Martha Graham • Dance technique based on the physical manifestations of emotion • Principles of contraction and release • Brought serious issues to the stage • Created her own company, which endures today • http://marthagraham.org/center/

9. Doris Humphrey • Sought a deeper understanding of movement possibilities • Universal expressiveness • New vocabulary based on the principle of fall and recovery • Designs for groups, mass movements and sculptural shapes

10. Other Notable Dancers • Hanya Holm • José Limón • Merce Cunningham • Paul Taylor http://www.ptdc.org/ • Katherine Dunham • Alvin Ailey http://www.alvinailey.org/page.php?p=main&v=4&sec=aaadt

11. Dance Today Take a moment to discuss with a partner where we see modern dance performed today. Think not only about the stage, but also other types of entertainment (such as in the media).

12. Current Companies • You can see professional modern dance companies at: http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Performing_Arts/Dance/Modern/Modern_Companies/?b=20

13. Modern Dance InfluenceYour Assignment Writing: Research one of the modern dance companies from the website. Write a one-page description of their repertoire and what pioneer influenced their technique. Choreography: In groups of 2-5, create a two-minute piece of modern dance choreography. Music choice must be approved by teacher. Class time will be allotted for choreography. If additional rehearsal time in needed, please see teacher.