Study Notes on Modern Dance (1980-2000)

Modern Dance (1980-2000)

This period of modern dance features key figures and influential movements, emphasizing emotional expression, musicality, and social themes.

Pina Bausch

  • Birth and Early Life:

    • Born in 1940; died in 2009, making her life span 68 years.

    • Trained in ballet; began studying dance theater at age 14.

    • Won an award in 1958 that allowed her to study at Juilliard as a special student.

    • Studied with notable figures such as:

    • Martha Graham

    • Anthony Tudor

    • Paul Taylor

  • Professional Development:

    • Worked for Anthony Tudor to afford her studies in America.

    • Returned to Germany to dance for Kurt Joos, who mentored her.

  • Choreographic Style:

    • Precision and honesty in movement.

    • Emotionally charged performances that blur the lines of dance and theater.

    • Featured diverse dancers in terms of age, body type, and abilities.

    • Integrates movement with storytelling.

  • Major Works:

    • "La Sacre du Printemps" (1975)

    • "Café Müller" (1985), a dance film that exemplifies her style.

  • Legacy:

    • Inspired American modern dance artists and influenced the dance community.

    • A biography capturing her life and work, titled "Pina."

Mark Morris

  • Biography:

    • Born in 1956; known for his relationship with classical music alongside modern dance.

    • Known for challenging gender and societal norms in his work.

  • Career Highlights:

    • Left for Brussels in 1988, where he created notable works like "L'Allegro, Il Penseroso ed Il Moderato."

    • Returned to the US in 1991 to join White Oak Dance Project.

    • Created "The Hard Nut," a modern reimagining of the Nutcracker, set in the 1970s.

  • Recognition:

    • Awarded the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance in 2015 for lifetime achievement.

    • Continues to choreograph and has established the Mark Morris Dance Center in New York.

Bill T. Jones

  • Biography:

    • Born in 1952 in Florida to migrant workers; was one of 12 children.

    • Moved to New York at age 3 and found dance while attending college.

  • Career Evolution:

    • Founded American Dance Asylum in 1973 to address racism and AIDS using multimedia.

    • Created the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company in 1992 after his partner died from AIDS.

  • Artistic Style:

    • Combines solo and group works centered around challenging social themes.

    • Movement is strong and rhythmical, often paired with spoken word.

    • Notable works include:

    • "Last Supper"

    • "Uncle Tom’s Cabin: The Promised Land" (1990)

    • "Still Here" (1994)

  • Recognition:

    • Won Tony Awards for "Spring Awakening" (2007) and "Fela!" (2008).

    • Merged his company with Dance Theater Workshop to form New York Live Arts in 2011.

Twyla Tharp

  • Biography:

    • Born in 1941 in Indiana; had early dance and music training.

    • Attended Barnard College while training with ABT and others like Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham.

  • Career Highlights:

    • Established her own troupe in 1965; her style blends jazz, modern, and musical theater.

  • Signature Style:

    • Described as offbeat, technically precise with humor.

    • Notable works include:

    • "The Fugue" (1970)

    • "Push Comes To Shove" (1976)

    • "Baker's Dozen" (1979)

    • Film choreography for "Ragtime" (1981) and "White Nights" (1985).

  • Current Endeavors:

    • Resumed her company in 2000, created anniversary works, including major pieces in 2021.

    • Authored books including "Push Comes to Shove," and appeared in documentaries.

Liz Lerman

  • Biography:

    • Born in 1941, began dancing in the early 1950s.

    • Performed for President Kennedy in 1962.

  • Artistic Approach:

    • Considered a social activist; founded the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in 1976.

    • Identifies as a non-fiction choreographer focusing on social and political themes.

  • Key Projects:

    • "Reaganomics" (1982)

    • "Still Crossing" (1986)

    • "Healing Wars" (2014)

    • "Wicked Bodies" (2022)

  • Innovations:

    • Developed the critical response process for choreographic feedback and critique.

Anna Halprin

  • Biography:

    • Born in 1920; active for over seven decades until her passing in 2021.

  • Choreographic Focus:

    • Known for improvisational-based methods and environmental choreography.

    • Used dance as a medium for social justice, particularly regarding race and health issues.

  • Legacy:

    • Created substantial works dealing with aging and health, particularly during and post-AIDS crisis.

Pilobolus and Momix

  • Pilobolus:

    • Founded in 1971 by Dartmouth College students, including Moses Pendleton.

    • Known for creating innovative body puzzles, showcasing athleticism and creative movement.

  • Momix:

    • Established in 1981 by Pendleton to further explore illusion and athleticism in dance.

  • Moses Pendleton:

    • Born in 1949; known for blending physicality with illusionistic choreography.

    • Worked with various prestigious institutions and received numerous accolades for his work in dance and photography.

This comprehensive overview captures the essential elements of modern dance from 1980 to 2000, highlighting key figures, their contributions, artistic styles, and legacies.