DANC 123R Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Isadora Duncan, Erick Hawkins, Ted Shawn
2 Jul 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Isadora Duncan
1st generation modern dance pioneer. Sees ballet as false art. Wore greek tunic and
bare feet. Choreography included pre-theatrical reasons like expression, spiritual
feeling, and emotional estates.
Ruth St. Dennis
Modern dance 1st generation pioneer.Brought exotic dance to America with husband
Ted shawn
Ted Shawn
Modern dance 1st generation pioneer. Jacob's pillow dance. Founded Dennisshawn
school of dance first men company in America. Trained many including Martha Grahm
Martha Grahm
Modern dance 1st generation pioneer. Devised system of muscular tension and
relaxation for torso. Developed back and hip flexibility. Inspired others to find personal
style. Opened school to give technique support for style.
Doris Humphrey
Modern dance 1st generation pioneer. Experimented with music visualization.
Developed technique based on body's natural reaction to gravity. Later works included
social visions and human relationships. Artistic director of José limón Dance company.
Danced at denisshawn company.
Lester Horton
Modern dance 1st generation pioneer. Developed system technique that emphasized
strong fluid torso and ease of movement. Works felt with social problems
Erick Hawkins
Modern dance 2nd generation. Believed dance accompaniment should always be
performed live. Technique took strength control and prolonged study. Frequently had
musicians set onstage.
Merce Cunningham
Modern dance 2nd generation. Believed in movement for its own sake. Emphasis on
torso and spine with use of arms and legs. Explored self-improvisational form of
choreography. One of most influential in experimenting.
Paul Taylor
2nd generation modern dance. Portrayed human experience and contrasts by
juxtaposing light, dark, humor, and tragedy for dramatic effect. Always unpredictable
and never the same.
Alvin Ailey
Choreography included modern dance and ethnic dance styles. Company continues to
preform his ballets today.
What are the goals of modern dance?
Document Summary
Choreography included pre-theatrical reasons like expression, spiritual feeling, and emotional estates. Modern dance 1st generation pioneer. brought exotic dance to america with husband. Founded dennisshawn school of dance first men company in america. Devised system of muscular tension and relaxation for torso. Opened school to give technique support for style. Developed technique based on body"s natural reaction to gravity. Later works included social visions and human relationships. Developed system technique that emphasized strong fluid torso and ease of movement. Believed dance accompaniment should always be performed live. Emphasis on torso and spine with use of arms and legs. Portrayed human experience and contrasts by juxtaposing light, dark, humor, and tragedy for dramatic effect. Choreography included modern dance and ethnic dance styles.
