Modern/Post Modern Dance History and Influential Choreographers

1. Modern/Post Modern Dance History and Influential Choreographers Objective 1: Learn the historical and cultural concepts and evolution of modern dance to post modern. Objective 2: Focus on the modern and post modern styles of Isadora Duncan, Merce Cunningham, Jose Limon, Lester Horton , Trisha Brown

2. Assessment Assignment Part One • A written assessment of short answer and reflection. Take Home 

3. Performance Assessment Part TwoDue: • Three groups will be created and you will be assigned to create a timeline of either: • 1st Generation Modern Choreographers 1920-1950 • 2nd Generation Modern Choreographers 1950-1980 • 2rd Generation Modern Choreographers 1980-Present

4. Why modern dance? • Modern dance was created in revolt against traditional ballet in the late 1920’s to early 1930’s. • Self expression was dominant over technique and discipline • The techniques were developed over time through experimentation • Modern dance was often viewed as “ugly” and un appealing to general audiences in the beginning.

5. Isadora Duncan1878-1927

6. Isadora Duncan 1877-1927 • Went against the constraints of ballet using childlike movements like running and skipping to express herself • Although born in America she spend most of her time performing in Europe • At the height of her fame both of her children died • She adopted all of her dancers called the “Isadorables” • She died in a freak auto accident

7. Writing PromptDuncan Styling • What words would you use to describe her style of dancing?

8. Ruth St. Denis 1877-1968 • Her movement inspiration came off of a picture of Egyptian Deities she saw in her young days as a dancer • She fashioned her dance style off of folklore from Japan, India, and China • She married Ted Shawn and they opened the Denishawn School of Dance

9. Writing Prompt: • This dance is suppose to be reminiscent of a street dancing girl in India. How would you compare this to what people think of as street dancing today in America? Do women street dance often in our country?

10. Ted Shawn 1891-1972 • First male to achieve popular influence in America by starting first all male dance company in 1933 • He founded Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival • Married to Ruth St. Denis and they ran the Denishawn School of Dance

11. Writing Prompt • How would you compare or contrast the styles of Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn in these particular videos? • Describe the movement referencing the five elements of dance: space, time, effort/energy, body and relationship.

12. Jose Limon1908-1972 • He was born in Mexico and his choreography was influenced by Spanish dancing and music as well as the rituals of bullfighting and the violence of the Mexican Revolution • As an young adult he enrolled In dance classes at the Humphrey Weidman Studio. (Two other noted modern dance pioneers_ • The Limon Dance Company was formed in 1946

13. Writing Prompt • Why is it important to develop you dramatic ability as a dancer? What do you think Limon emphasized more after viewing an excerpt from his work; the dance or the drama? • What do you prefer?

14. Lester Horton1906-1953 • Created his own codified modern dance technique still used widely for training today • Studied at the Denishawn, ballet modern and native american dance • First group of Lester Horton dancers appeared in 1932

15. Lester Horton

16. The Lester Horton Dancers

17. Writing Prompt • What outside elements are being used here by Merce Cunningham and how do think experimenting like this helps modern dance advance?

18. Writing Prompt • What message does this style of movement convey to you? • Do you feel the choreographer is trying to convey a message?