Study Guide on American Ballet and Modern Dance Development

John Durang

• Style and Importance

  • John Durang is recognized as a pioneering figure in American ballet, notable for his ability to merge European ballet techniques with American folk themes.

  • His performances were characterized by a combination of classical ballet and traditional American dances, which helped to create a distinctly American form of ballet.

  • Durang's contributions helped lay the groundwork for future American ballet companies and dancers.

Perception of Ballet in America

• Lack of Respect for Ballet

  • Ballet was not considered a respected or serious art form in America until well into the 20th century due to various socio-political factors.

  • American cultural priorities often leaned towards democratic ideals and folk traditions rather than European elite arts.

  • The perception of ballet as a foreign and exotic form made it difficult for it to gain acceptance.

  • Ballet's association with European aristocracy did not resonate with American values of individuality and self-made opportunity.

Russian Dancers' Migration to the U.S.

• Context of Migration

  • Political unrest and social upheaval in Russia, particularly during and after the Russian Revolution of 1917, prompted a wave of Russian artists, including dancers, to seek opportunities abroad.

  • The desire to escape oppressive regimes and seek artistic freedom led many Russian dancers to the United States.

Ballet Russes Post-Diaghilev

• After Diaghilev's Death

  • The Ballet Russes, founded by Sergei Diaghilev, faced significant challenges after his death in 1929, leading to its disbandment.

  • Although the company had introduced groundbreaking ballet concepts to the West, it could not sustain itself in the absence of Diaghilev's vision and leadership.

Rival Companies

• Foreign Rival in the 1930s

  • The foreign rival to the emerging American ballet scene in the 1930s was the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, which continued to showcase Russian ballet traditions in America.

New York City Ballet

• Origin and Impact

  • The New York City Ballet (NYCB) was founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein.

  • It significantly impacted the development of American ballet by emphasizing choreographic innovation and American themes, separate from European traditions.

George Balanchine

• Style and Influential Works

  • Balanchine's style is known for its focus on abstract movement, musicality, and the integration of various ballet techniques.

  • Influential works include "Serenade," "The Nutcracker," and "Apollo."

  • His approach to ballet emphasized speed, precision, and a departure from traditional balletic narratives.

• Neoclassical Ballet

  • The term "neoclassical" in relation to ballet refers to a style that incorporates classical ballet techniques while embracing contemporary themes and abstract forms.

American Ballet Theatre

• Origin and Impact

  • The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) was founded in 1939, initially named the Ballet Theatre, to promote and preserve the rich heritage of ballet in America.

  • ABT played a crucial role in showcasing both classical and contemporary works, helping to elevate ballet's status in American culture.

Agnes de Mille

• Style and Influential Pieces

  • De Mille's distinctive style blended classical ballet with modern dance and theatrical storytelling.

  • Influential pieces include "Rodeo" and "Oklahoma!"

  • Her work impacted the narrative aspect of ballet, emphasizing character development and American folklore.

Jerome Robbins

• Style and Influential Pieces

  • Robbins is known for his dynamic and innovative approach, often incorporating elements of Broadway into ballet.

  • Notable works include "West Side Story," "Fiddler on the Roof," and several ballets for NYCB.

  • His contributions shaped a more accessible and popular form of ballet in America.

Joffrey Ballet

• Origin and Impact

  • Founded in 1956 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey Ballet focused on a diverse repertoire, integrating contemporary works with classical ballet.

  • The company played a significant role in expanding audience appreciation for ballet in America, particularly among younger generations.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

• Origin and Impact

  • Established in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, the Dance Theatre of Harlem combined classical ballet with African American culture and social themes.

  • The company significantly contributed to the representation of diversity within the ballet community, impacting both performance and audience demographics.

Maria Tallchief

• Career and Impact

  • Maria Tallchief was one of the first American-born prima ballerinas who was instrumental in bringing ballet to the American mainstream.

  • Her work and collaborations with Balanchine elevated both her profile and the visibility of ballet in the United States.

Jacques d'Amboise

• Career and Importance

  • Jacques d'Amboise was a prominent figure in American ballet, known for his work with NYCB and his efforts to promote ballet education for children.

  • He played a key role in advocating for ballet as an accessible art form for all.

Suzanne Farrell

• Career and Impact

  • Suzanne Farrell was a leading dancer with NYCB and is known for her interpretations of Balanchine's works.

  • She has contributed to the development of ballet through teaching and mentoring future generations of dancers.

Royal Ballet

• Origin

  • The Royal Ballet originated at the Covent Garden opera house in London and has become one of the leading ballet companies.

Development of English Ballet

• Careers and Impact

  • Frederick Ashton: Developed a unique British style characterized by lyricism and wit.

  • Anthony Tudor: Influential in the creation of dramatic ballet works that addressed psychological themes.

  • Margot Fonteyn: Brought international acclaim to English ballet and is considered one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century.

Decentralization Efforts in France

• Cultural Decentralization

  • France engaged in efforts to decentralize ballet to make it more accessible across different regions, fostering local talent instead of focusing solely on Paris.

Development of Modern Dance

• Key Figures and Their Impact

  • Martha Graham: Known for her expressionistic style and innovative techniques, influenced by psychology.

  • Doris Humphrey: Developed a technique based on fall and recovery, emphasizing emotional expression.

  • Jose Limon: Blended modern dance with Mexican themes, creating a culturally rich style.

  • Charles Weidman: Focused on the relationship between dance and theater, promoting narrative-driven works.

  • Helen Tamiris: Integrated social issues into her choreography, such as labor and civil rights.

  • Lester Horton: Known for his inclusive approach and focus on cultural diversity.

  • Katherine Dunham: Combined African and Caribbean dance elements, creating a distinct style that highlighted cultural heritage.

  • Alvin Ailey: Founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, emphasizing African American cultural themes and outreach.

Technique/Theory Differences

• Graham Technique: Focuses on contraction and release, rooted in psychological principles.

• Humphrey/Weidman Technique: Emphasizes fall and recovery; incorporates theatrical elements into modern dance.

• Horton Technique: Known for its broad movement range and inclusion of various cultural dance forms.

Influence of Psychology on Graham's Work

• Graham's Interest in Psychology

  • Graham's fascination with psychological principles guided her explorations of human emotion and experience, shaping the narrative quality of her works.