Developed in the 20 th 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.
Rudolf von Labon ( ) Kurt Jooss ( ) Ted Shawn ( ) All made contributions to the beginning of Modern Dance. However, the dominant pioneering forces were woman.
( ) 1 st 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.
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
( ) “Butterfly of Light” Innovator who understood theatre design and production. Used light, costumes, and made extraordinary creations on stage. Most famous in France
( ) 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
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
( ) 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
Choreography by chance ◦ “Chance Dance” Sequence of movement assigned by tossing a coin or some other chance method
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.
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
Mary Wigman and Rudolf von Labon Developed one method for recording body movements on paper No called Labanotation
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