Objective 1: Learn the historical and cultural concepts and evolution of modern dance to post modern. Objective 2: Focus on the modern and post modern styles of Isadora Duncan, Merce Cunningham, Jose Limon, Lester Horton, Trisha Brown

 A written assessment of short answer and reflection. Take Home

 Three groups will be created and you will be assigned to create a timeline of either:  1 st Generation Modern Choreographers  2 nd Generation Modern Choreographers  2rd Generation Modern Choreographers 1980-Present

 Modern dance was created in revolt against traditional ballet in the late 1920’s to early 1930’s.  Self expression was dominant over technique and discipline  The techniques were developed over time through experimentation  Modern dance was often viewed as “ugly” and un appealing to general audiences in the beginning.

 Went against the constraints of ballet using childlike movements like running and skipping to express herself  Although born in America she spend most of her time performing in Europe  At the height of her fame both of her children died  She adopted all of her dancers called the “Isadorables”  She died in a freak auto accident

 What words would you use to describe her style of dancing?

 Her movement inspiration came off of a picture of Egyptian Deities she saw in her young days as a dancer  She fashioned her dance style off of folklore from Japan, India, and China  She married Ted Shawn and they opened the Denishawn School of Dance

 This dance is suppose to be reminiscent of a street dancing girl in India. How would you compare this to what people think of as street dancing today in America? Do women street dance often in our country?

 First male to achieve popular influence in America by starting first all male dance company in 1933  He founded Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival  Married to Ruth St. Denis and they ran the Denishawn School of Dance

 How would you compare or contrast the styles of Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn in these particular videos?  Describe the movement referencing the five elements of dance: space, time, effort/energy, body and relationship.

 He was born in Mexico and his choreography was influenced by Spanish dancing and music as well as the rituals of bullfighting and the violence of the Mexican Revolution  As an young adult he enrolled In dance classes at the Humphrey Weidman Studio. (Two other noted modern dance pioneers_  The Limon Dance Company was formed in 1946

 Why is it important to develop you dramatic ability as a dancer? What do you think Limon emphasized more after viewing an excerpt from his work; the dance or the drama?  What do you prefer?

 Created his own codified modern dance technique still used widely for training today  Studied at the Denishawn, ballet modern and native american dance  First group of Lester Horton dancers appeared in 1932

 What outside elements are being used here by Merce Cunningham and how do think experimenting like this helps modern dance advance?

 What message does this style of movement convey to you?  Do you feel the choreographer is trying to convey a message?