Modern & Contemporary Dance Notes

Modern Dance

  • Origin in the early 1900s; movement away from ballet; emphasis on expression, creativity, and personal movement.

Founding Figures (Modern Dance)

  • Isadora Duncan — (1877−−1927)(1877--1927) ; mother of modern dance; barefoot, natural moves; inspired by nature, Greek art, and emotions; freedom and self-expression.

  • Martha Graham — (1894−−1991)(1894--1991); American modern dance pioneer; created Graham technique; contraction and release; dramatic, non-ballet style; global influence.

  • Merce Cunningham — (1919−−2009)(1919--2009); separated movement from music; used chance procedures; experimental/abstract; influenced future artists.

  • Alvin Ailey — (1931−−1989)(1931--1989); founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Revelations (modern + gospel); emotion, culture, and pride in modern dance.

Contemporary Dance

  • Definition: a style blending elements from modern, ballet, jazz, and other forms; developed mid-20th century; continues to evolve.

Founding Figures (Contemporary Dance)

  • Pina Bausch — (1940−−2009)(1940--2009); German choreographer; redefined contemporary dance with Tanztheater; emotionally intense; movement, spoken word, music, set design; storytelling with raw emotion.

  • Ohad Naharin — (1952)(1952); Israeli choreographer; director of Batsheva Dance Company; developed Gaga movement language; instinctive, free-flowing motion; strong physicality and emotional depth.

  • Crystal Pite — (1970)(1970); Canadian choreographer; Kidd Pivot; blends classical technique with contemporary movement and theatrical elements; emotionally powerful; expands narrative scope.

Assignment

  • Create a short timeline for each modern and contemporary dance pioneer discussed, including key dates, major contributions, and significant works.