Modern Dance Pioneers Exam

Who is the only person to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony in the same year?

Bob Fosse

Which modern dance pioneer is known for “dance by chance”?

Merce Cunningham

Which modern dance pioneer was inspired by everyday pedestrian movement?

Merce Cunningham

Who founded the “cradle of American Modern dance”?

Ruth St. Denis

Which modern dance pioneer is known for the concept of “fall and recovery”?

Doris Humphrey

Which modern dance pioneer was named “dancer of the century”?

Martha Graham

What year does the modern dance period begin?

1896

Describe Isadora Duncan’s style and the characteristics of her choreography, inspiration, and costume choices

Natural, emotional movement rooted in solar plexus. Emphasized free-flowing, barefoot movement inspired by Greek art, nature, and classical music.

List 8 signature elements of Bob Fosse’s style

1. Finger snaps

2. jazz hands

3. high kicks

4. bowler hats

5. fishnet stockings

6. chairs

7. canes

8. hip rolls

Who won a Tony for A Chorus Line?

Michael Bennett

Which modern dance pioneer was the most political choreographer of their time?

Pearl Primus

Who is known as the “Father of theatrical jazz dance”?

Jack Cole

Name 4 arenas that Jack Cole choreographed for

1. Night clubs

2. broadway stages

3. hollywood films

4. TV and concert stages

List 4 characteristics of Jose Limon’s technique

1. Fall & recovery

2. Breath

3. suspension

4. succession

Which modern dance pioneers company was designated a “vital American culture ambassador to the world”?

Alvin Ailey’s company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

When did Alvin Ailey first establish the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater?

1958

Who is considered the “matriarch and queen mother of black dance”?

Katherine Dunham

List 3 different dance forms Katherine Dunham took inspiration from

Classical ballet, modern dance, traditional African/Carribbean movement

List 4 key characteristics of Martha Graham’s technique and her style of choreography

1. Contraction/release

2. spirals

3. floor work

4. core initiated movement

List 4 key characteristics of Lester Horton’s technique

1. Flat backs

2. lateral T’s

3. deep lunges

4. hinges

5. tilts

Which piece by Jose Limon received the Dance Magazine award for most outstanding choreography in 1949?

The Moor’s Pavane

What piece of modern dance choreography is considered a masterpiece of 20th century modernism? (choreography, title, year)

Cilda Nestra, choreographed in 1958 by Martha Graham

List 3 different techniques offered at the Ailey school

Horton, classical ballet, Graham based modern