Modern Dance

Developed in the 20th Century (late 1800s)

Developed in direct contrast to Ballet. Broke tradition of stiff formality.

Sought new forms of expression that reflected the concerns of the modern era.

What is it?

Rudolf von Labon (1879-1958) Kurt Jooss (1901-1979) Ted Shawn (1891-1972)

All made contributions to the beginning of Modern Dance.

However, the dominant pioneering forces were woman.

Founders

(1878-1927) 1st person to bring Modern Dance to general

audiences and have it accepted. Searched for natural movement =

inspiration from nature. Swaying trees, rolling waves of the sea,

blooming flowers, etc.

Isadora Duncon

3 Major Contributions Ballet

◦ Emphasized feet and legs

◦ Ballet shoes and tutus

◦ Classical music

Modern◦ Used entire body and

moved as freely as possible

◦ Grecian tunics, bare feet, flowing hair

◦ Classical music but made it popular with large audiences

(1862-1928) “Butterfly of Light” Innovator who understood theatre design

and production. Used light, costumes, and made

extraordinary creations on stage. Most famous in France

Loie Fuller

(1877-1968) Looked to the East and Oriental culture for

new movement. Interested in not just technique in dance but

communicating an idea◦ Music should be “visualized” to produce

movement

Ruth St. Denis

Next generation of dancers; Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, and Charles Weidman

Self-supporting company for 16 years Ted Shawn

◦ Codirected of Denishawn◦ Performed and choreographed until it dissolved in

1931

Denishawn Dance Company

(1894-1991) Developed own technique Based on breathing cycle of body and

contract and release One of the finest dance concert performers Used themes from Greek drama Martha Graham Dance Company

Martha Graham

Choreography by chance ◦ “Chance Dance”

Sequence of movement assigned by tossing a coin or some other chance method

http://www.sheadance.com/chance-dance.html

Merce Cunningham

New way to move◦ Non-structured improvisation

Simply move without idea, plan, or theme. Movement for the sake of movement No right or wrong

◦ Structured improvisation Start with free exploration and then narrow in Establish a movement idea Simple or complex Make some deliberate choices about timing,

structure, etc.

Improvisation

Mid-1970 Steve Paxton Utilized pedestrian movement, child’s play, marital

arts, sports, and social context Contact with…

◦ Partner(s)◦ Floor◦ Different body parts◦ Taking and giving weight◦ Touching◦ Balancing◦ Body interactions

1 Rule: No contact with hands

Contact Improvistaion

Mary Wigman and Rudolf von Labon Developed one method for recording body

movements on paper No called Labanotation

Eurythmics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4G0RWeZ2gA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv9r8-bq_FQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMCV61Wa7xM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-6InwN_gVU

Dance Videos