The History of Modern Dance – Great Influencers and Contributions

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The history of Modern Dance goes back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was created as a reaction to the rigid and formal conventions of ballet. Expressed by individual creativity and personal interpretation, it has evolved into a highly diverse and dynamic art form.

Modern dance has been influenced by a wide range of cultural and artistic movements, including:

• folk,
• ethnic,
• religious,
• social dancing,
• theatre,
• music, and
• visual art.

The rich and complex story of the history of modern dance spans more than a century. It is a story of innovation, experimentation, and boundary breaking. And also, the story of the many artists, choreographers, and dancers who have contributed to its development and evolution.

From early beginnings as a form of protest to the limitations of ballet, modern dance grew into a vibrant and diverse art form that reflects the many cultural, social, and political changes of the modern era. But of course, like all dance its roots go way back to the origins of dance and physical human movement itself.

The Origins and History of Modern Dance

In the late 19th century, a group of choreographers and dancers rebelled against the rigid rules of classical ballet. The strict movements of ballet were not compatible with their main purpose – communication. This group sought to create a new form of dance that would allow them total freedom of expression.

Isadora Duncan

Known as the mother of Modern Dance, Isadora Duncan believed dance should be a natural expression of the body, and it should be free from the constraints of traditional ballet. Her style of dance was characterised by flowing movements and a focus on the natural movements of the body.

By understanding her style we can see why Isadora Duncan used loose, flowing costumes that allowed her to move without constraint.

Loie Fuller

Rising from the ranks of touring comedies and Wild West shows, the American dancer dreamed of a future of light, movement, and metamorphosis.

JSTOR

Another early pioneer of Modern Dance, Loie Fuller used lighting and elaborate costumes to create dramatic effects on stage. Her style of dance was characterised by flowing, swirling movements, reminiscent of natural phenomena such as water and fire.

Denishawn

Modern Dance pioneer, Denishawn – the dance company, was founded by Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn in the early 20th century. The company wove Innovative choreography and non-Western dance styles into its performances. Ruth St. Denis was particularly interested in the dance traditions of India and the Middle East. So, she incorporated elements of these styles into her choreography.

Takeaway

Influence of Ballet and Theatrical Dance

Ballet and Theatrical Dance were the main influencers of Modern Dance despite the originator’s reaction against those forms.

Classical Ballet

The highly formalised style of dance, Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. It is characterised by graceful, flowing movements, and the use of pointe shoes, which allow intricate footwork and leaps.

Classical Ballet has also influenced modern dance in terms of its choreography and aesthetics. Many modern dance choreographers, such as George Balanchine and Merce Cunningham, were trained in classical ballet. They incorporated elements of ballet into their choreography. And Balanchine developed a style that emphasised speed and athleticism that significantly influenced Modern Dance.

Theatrical Dance

On the other hand, Theatrical Dance is a broader term that encompasses a variety of dance styles. It includes:

• ballet,
• tap,
• jazz, and
• contemporary dance.

Theatrical Dance is characterised by its emphasis on storytelling and theatrical elements to create a dramatic effect, such as:

• music,
• lighting, and
• costumes.

Modern Dance Techniques

Many Modern Dance techniques, such as Martha Graham’s, were developed as a reaction against the strict formalism of ballet. ut they still incorporated elements of ballet, such as turnout (leg rotation from the hip) and emphasis on the spine.

Takeaway 

Major Figures and their Contributions

Modern Dance was shaped by a number of influential figures. Each of them brought their own styles and techniques to create a diverse and vibrant dance culture.

Martha Graham

Widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern dance history. Martha Graham developed a technique ,now known as the Graham Technique, where dancer’s used breath, contraction and release of muscles. Graham’s choreography tackled complex and often dark themes, and her work was known for its emotional intensity and dramatic power.

Doris Humphrey

Modern Dance Pioneer, Doris Humphrey developed the technique of fall and recovery, which emphasised the use of gravity and the body’s natural momentum. Humphrey’s choreography explored themes of humanity and the complexities of human relationships.

Mary Wigman

The German dancer Mary Wigman played a key role in the development of Expressionist Dance. Her technique emphasised the use of the entire body to express emotion and tell a story. Wigman’s work was known for its raw power and emotional intensity.

Hanya Holm

The German-born dancer Hanya Holm immigrated to the United States and became a key figure in the development of Modern Dance in America. She developed the Holm Technique, which used breath and the connection between movement and emotion. Holm’s choreography explored themes of social justice and human rights.

Katherine Dunham

Dunham was an American dancer and choreographer known for the fusion of African and Caribbean dance styles with Modern dance. She developed the Dunham Technique, which emphasises the use of isolation and fluidity of movement. Dunham’s choreography explores themes of race and identity.

Pearl Primus

American dancer and choreographer, Pearl Primus was known for her fusion of African and Caribbean dance styles with Modern Dance. She developed a technique that uses rhythm and the connection between movement and music. Primus’s choreography explores themes of social justice and the African diaspora.

Lester Horton

American dancer and choreographer Lester Horton developed a technique that focused on the use of spirals and contractions in movement. Horton’s choreography explored themes of American culture and history.

Merce Cunningham

American dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham was known for experimenting with chance and improvisation in dance. His technique used the entire body in movement and the connection between dance and music.

Alwin Nikolais

American dancer and choreographer Alwin Nikolais developed the Nikolais Technique, which uses geometric shapes and patterns in movement. Nikolais’s choreography explore technology and the relationship between humans and machines.

Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor was an American dancer and choreographer known for using classical music in his choreography. He developed a technique that emphasises the use of fluidity and grace in movement. Taylor’s choreography explored themes of human relationships and the complexities of modern life.

Twyla Tharp

American dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp was known for the fusion of Ballet and Modern dance. She developed the Tharp Technique, which uses rhythm and musicality in movement. Tharp’s choreography explored themes of human relationships and the complexities of modern life.

Charles Weidman

American dancer and choreographer Charles Weidman developed the Weidman Technique, which focused on the use of natural movement and the connection between dance and everyday life. Weidman’s choreography explored themes of American culture and history.

José Limón

José Limón was a Mexican American dancer and choreographer who developed the Limón Technique, which emphasised the use of breath and the connection between movement and emotion. Limón’s choreography explored themes of humanity and the complexities of human relationships.

Development of Techniques and Styles

The pioneers of Modern Dance sought to create a more expressive and individualistic form of dance that emphasised freedom of movement and emotional expression. Development was marked by the emergence of new techniques and styles that were distinct from those of classical ballet.

Contraction and Release

One of the most important techniques was the contraction and release technique, which was developed by Martha Graham. This technique involves the contraction of the torso and the release of tension, which creates a sense of dynamic movement.

Fall and Recovery

Another important technique in Modern Dance is the fall and recovery technique, which was developed by Doris Humphrey. This technique involves the deliberate loss of balance and the subsequent recovery, which creates a sense of momentum and flow.

Takeaway

Modern Dance in the Postmodern Era

As Modern Dance evolved in the postmodern era, from the 1960s to the 1980s, it was characterised by its use of pedestrian movements, everyday gestures, and non-narrative structures.

• Trisha Brown was a key figure in postmodern dance. Her choreography was known for its simplicity and use of everyday movements, such as walking, running, and falling. Brown’s work challenged traditional notions of dance and emphasised the connection between the body and the environment.
• Yvonne Rainer was another influential figure in postmodern dance. Her work was known for its use of repetition and fragmentation. Rainer’s choreography featured non-linear narratives and emphasised the process of creating movement rather than the final product.
• Pina Bausch was a German choreographer who blended elements of modern and postmodern dance in her work. Bausch’s choreography was known for its emotional intensity and use of theatrical elements, such as props and costumes. Her work explored themes of love, loss, and human relationships.

Takeaway

Modern Dance and Music

Music is an essential element of Modern Dance, and it plays a crucial role in creating the mood and atmosphere of the performance in its use of music and rhythm. Modern Dance music can be anything from classical to contemporary. The rhythm creates a beat the dancers can follow. And, that can be used to give a sense of unity among the dancers, as they move together in time with the music.

A key feature is improvisation. Dancers are encouraged to improvise their movements, so they can express themselves in a unique way. In response to the music, dancers move in time with the rhythm of the music. Improvisation allows for an expressive and emotional performance, as dancers can respond to the music in a personal way.

Music and dance are equal partners, where music is an integral part of the performance. It can be used to create a sense of tension or release, a mood or atmosphere. The dance can be used to interpret the music, bringing it to life in a way unique to Modern Dance.

Takeaway  

Modern Dance Today

Modern Dance continues to evolve and diversify in the contemporary era. It is performed in theatres, dance studios, and outdoor venues. Many dance companies and groups have emerged, featuring Modern Dance as their primary style of movement.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a New York-based company founded in 1958. It gained international recognition for its innovative choreography and powerful performances. Other prominent Modern Dance companies include:

• the Martha Graham Dance Company,
• the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and
• the Merce Cunningham Dance Company.

In addition to professional dance companies, modern dance competitions have also become popular in recent years. These events provide a platform for dancers to showcase their skills and creativity while competing for prizes and recognition. The World of Dance competition, for example, features dancers from around the world competing in a variety of styles, including Modern Dance.

Modern Dance has been embraced by many dance schools and studios, where it is often taught alongside other dance styles such as Ballet and Jazz. This has led to the development of new techniques and styles within Modern Dance, such as lyrical dance and Contemporary dance.

Final Thoughts

Modern dance continues to be a vibrant and dynamic art form that reflects the diversity and creativity of contemporary culture. Whether performed by professional companies, amateur groups, or individual dancers, Modern Dance remains a powerful means of expression and communication.

As choreographers experiment with new techniques and styles, the use of technology in dance is becoming more common. With these changes, Modern Dance remains a powerful form of artistic expression.

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