Study Guide for Modern Dance Choreographers

Overview of Modern Dance Choreographers

Test Structure

  • The test will mainly consist of matching choreographers to their works, including their characteristics and individual traits.

Key Choreographers and Their Influences

Alvin Ailey

  • Modern choreographer who created his own distinct style.

  • Studied under Horton.

    • Horton Technique: Offered at the Ailey School, a foundational modern dance technique.

Catherine Dunham

  • Another significant influence in modern dance, known for incorporating Afro-Cuban influences into dance.

  • Noted for her anthropological background, having studied cultures and the origins of dance.

  • Contributed to Broadway reviews.

Pearl Primus

  • The second anthropologist in the dance world, emphasizing that dance is its own language.

  • Successfully argued for dance credits in school systems, thereby recognizing dance as a legitimate form of communication.

  • Associated performances include a return to Broadway for "Showboat."

Ted Shawn

  • Co-founder of Jacob's Pillow, a key venue for dance in America.

  • Established an all-male dance company, bringing male dancers to the forefront in modern dance.

Martha Graham

  • Notable student of Ted Shawn noted for her technique of contract and release.

  • Developed a unique style characterized by breathing and diaphragm use to inform movement.

Doris Humphrey

  • Partner of Charles Weidman.

  • Developed a technique known as fall and recovery, emphasizing the natural dynamics of movement.

  • Wrote the book “The Art of Making Dances.”

Mary Wigman

  • A pioneer of German modern dance, known for her grounded, intense style.

Hanya Holm

  • A student of Wigman who rebranded the school upon arriving in America.

    • A key motivation for rebranding included avoiding associations with Nazi Germany post-Holocaust.

Helen Tamiris

  • Choreographed works for Broadway involving cultural elements.

  • Known for choreography to Walt Whitman poems and various themes from American history.

Ruth St. Denis

  • An early influential choreographer who was inspired by cultural imagery and spirituality.

George Balanchine

  • Considered the foremost contemporary ballet choreographer in America, co-founder of New York City Ballet.

    • Emphasized classical ballet nuances, often merging with jazz and other styles.

Jerome Robbins

  • Renowned for combining ballet, jazz, and theatrical forms in works like "West Side Story" and "Fancy Free."

  • Contributed to the establishment of American-based ballet companies.

Historical Context and Locations

Significant Venues in Modern Dance Development

  • Jacobs Pillow: Founded by Ted Shawn; pivotal for modern dance performances.

  • Judson Church: A hub for avant-garde dance and contact improvisation.

  • Black Mountain College: Known for innovative approaches and performances termed "happenings."

  • Bennington College: Where many foundational ideas in modern dance were taught, serving as a significant educational resource.

Avant-Garde Movement

  • Emerged in the 50s and 60s; emphasised movement for movement's sake, breaking away from traditional dance structures.

  • Focused on freedom of expression, allowing more individuals to participate without the need for technical virtuosity.

Important Concepts in Modern Dance

Techniques and Principles

  • Fall and Recovery: Central to Doris Humphrey's technique, emphasizing the dynamics of movement's rise and fall.

  • Contract and Release: Central to Martha Graham's technique, focusing on the use of breath and its affect on movement dynamics.

  • Chance and Indeterminacy: Explored by Merce Cunningham, focusing on the use of randomness in choreography, including performance order and music.

Cultural Implications

  • Ongoing debates regarding the authenticity of representing cultures in dance, particularly in relation to Ruth St. Denis's work.

  • The historical context thus embraces discussions about appropriation versus appreciation of diverse cultural elements in modern dance.

Questions to Consider

  • Reflectation on the philosophical implications of dance as its own language as advocated by Pearl Primus.

  • Considerations of how gender has been represented in modern dance through companies formed by Shawn and Ailey.

  • The understanding of how historical contexts shaped modern practices, such as influences from Nazi Germany affecting Hanya Holm's rebranding practices.

Further Reading

  • "The Art of Making Dances" by Doris Humphrey for insights into structuring choreography.

Summary

This guide serves as a foundational resource to understanding the significant figures, techniques, and historical contexts that have shaped modern dance. Students should familiarize themselves with the contributions and philosophies of each choreographer discussed in order to prepare effectively for the upcoming test.