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Dance and American Modernism: From Martha Graham to Alvin Ailey

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Published in Modern Bodies: Dance And American Modernism From Martha Graham To Alvin Ailey (Cultural Studies Of The United States)

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Modern Bodies: Dance and American Modernism from Martha Graham to Alvin Ailey (Cultural Studies of the United States)

by Julia L. Foulkes

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3035 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages

By [Author's Name]

This book explores the development of American modern dance from the early 20th century to the present day, focusing on the work of four key choreographers: Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, and Alvin Ailey.

These four choreographers were pioneers in the development of American modern dance, and their work has had a profound impact on the art form. They each developed their own unique style of dance, and their work has been influential in the development of many other dance genres, including ballet, jazz dance, and contemporary dance.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the work of these four choreographers, and it explores the historical and cultural context in which their work was created. The book also includes a number of interviews with the choreographers and their dancers, and it provides a rich resource for anyone interested in the history of American modern dance.

Chapter 1: Martha Graham

Martha Graham was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. She developed a unique style of dance that was based on the principles of contraction and release. Graham's work was often inspired by mythology and literature, and her dances were known for their emotional intensity and psychological depth.

One of Graham's most famous dances is "Lamentation," which was created in 1930. The dance is a response to the death of Graham's husband, and it is a powerful expression of grief and loss. The piece is characterized by its use of contraction and release, and it is a beautiful example of Graham's unique style of dance.

Chapter 2: Doris Humphrey

Doris Humphrey was another influential choreographer of the 20th century. She developed a technique called "fall and recovery," which was based on the principles of gravity and momentum. Humphrey's work was often inspired by the natural world, and her dances were known for their fluidity and grace.

One of Humphrey's most famous dances is "Water Study," which was created in 1928. The dance is a celebration of the human body, and it is a beautiful example of Humphrey's unique style of dance. The piece is characterized by its use of fall and recovery, and it is a beautiful expression of the human spirit.

Chapter 3: Charles Weidman

Charles Weidman was a choreographer who worked closely with Doris Humphrey. He developed a technique called "kinetic pantomime," which was based on the principles of mime and movement. Weidman's work was often humorous and satirical, and his dances were known for their wit and intelligence.

One of Weidman's most famous dances is "Flickers," which was created in 1930. The dance is a satire of the silent film industry, and it is a hilarious example of Weidman's unique style of dance. The piece is characterized by its use of kinetic pantomime, and it is a brilliant example of Weidman's wit and intelligence.

Chapter 4: Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey was a choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. The company is one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world, and it has toured extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Ailey's work was often inspired by African-American culture, and his dances were known for their energy and passion.

One of Ailey's most famous dances is "Revelations," which was created in 1960. The dance is a celebration of the African-American experience, and it is a powerful example of Ailey's unique style of dance. The piece is characterized by its use of African-American dance forms, and it is a beautiful expression of the African-American spirit.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of American modern dance. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the work of four key choreographers, and it explores the historical and cultural context in which their work was created. The book also includes a number of interviews with the choreographers and their dancers, and it provides a rich resource for anyone interested in the art form.

Modern Bodies: Dance and American Modernism from Martha Graham to Alvin Ailey (Cultural Studies of the United States)

by Julia L. Foulkes

4.4 out of 5