MODERN DANCE VIDEO PREVIEW After watching this VIDEO

MODERN DANCE

VIDEO PREVIEW After watching this VIDEO, be prepared to discuss the following questions: How did this era of dance reflect ideas from the Women’s Rights movement? Why is modern dance considered a family tree? Who are three important people in modern dance?

*Definition: 20 th century dance form that emerged as expression of rebellion against classical ballet. Founder: Isadora Duncan Characteristics: The torso began to be seen as the source of the dance movement instead of the feet as in ballet free-flowing costumes loose hair bare feet

Fundamental Ideas: Rejection of the societal restrictions placed on women Free flowing, creative dance style One artist is usually both dancer and choreographer Modern dance was originally part of the woman’s movement

MARTHA GRAHAM “…WAS TO MODERN DANCE WHAT PABLO PICASSO WAS TO MODERN ART. ” 1894 -1991 Made America the center of Modern Dance 70 year career; 180 works Themes: Fusion of abstract gestures and psychological symbols Classical tragedy

MARTHA GRAHAM Techniques: Fierce pelvic contractions Flexed feet Contorted cupped hands Rugged “floor work” https: //www. youtube. com/w atch? v=ozu 2 M 1 n. D 1 B 4

MAJOR WORK: APPALACHIAN SPRING Composition: Music composed by Aaron Copland Set designed by Isamu Noguchi Plot: Centers around the early 19 th century wedding of a young couple embarking as homesteaders in the Pennsylvania frontier wilderness.

MAJOR WORK: APPALACHIAN SPRING Characters: the brides the Husbandman the Pioneer Woman a Revivalist preacher four girl followers (of the preacher) https: //www. youtube. com/watc h? v=Xmga. KGSx. QVw

MAJOR WORK: APPALACHIAN SPRING Summary: The participants enter slowly, one at a time- with considerable space between them- almost as if they are being formally introduced. The young couple and guests, except for the Revivalist, dance in celebration. The husbandman and Bride then each dance a soliloquy.

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM W Arthur Mitchell, the first black dancer to perform with the New York City Ballet, founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1971. W Began with 30 children in a church basement--two months later, 400 children were attending classes

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM W The interracial company won a new audience for ballet and opened opportunities for young black dancers. W Repertory expanded to encompass classical, modern, and ethnically oriented works. http: //www. youtube. com/ watch? v=fs. OBXQV 04 sk

ALVIN AILEY W 1931 -1989 Texas W Dancer and Choreographer W Trained with: - Lester Horton - Katherine Dunham - Martha Graham

ALVIN AILEY W 1958 founded his own company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - a dance company for African. American dancers to perform stories from African-American history W First American dance company invited to the Soviet Union. https: //www. youtube. com/ watch? v=ve. Rjh. WO 84 d 0

MAJOR WORK: REVELATIONS W a celebratory study of religious spirit W based on Ailey's experience of growing up in the rural South

REVELATIONS VIEWING GUIDE Choreographer: Alvin Ailey Music: Traditional Gospels and Hymns Date: 1986 Performers: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (company) Style/Context: Modern Dance/African American History (slavery to freedom) https: //www. youtube. com/ watch? v=t. Nqaix. Kbrjs