Ruth St. Denis
danced in vaudeville shows. interest in eastern dance and drama inspired by egyptian cigarette ad.
Indian nautch dance
inspired St. Denis. intricate traditional dance focused on exotic and oriental themes and movement
Ted Shawn
dance partner and husband of st. denis. opened Denishawn.
Denishawn
toured American and Asia. different venues, vaudeville. dance for general public.
Interpretive Dance
translates feelings and emotions, human condition, situations, fantasies into movement and dramatic expression. ethnic movements into modern expressions. exploration of origin.
Music Visualization
music dictates movement. tells meaning of music through movement.
Statue dancing
shape of statue. if statue were to come to life, how would it move? ted shawn's cosmic dance of siva.
appropriation
use of borrowed elements to create new work. borrow from popular culture or other aspects of visual culture. original remains accessible without change. can be misinterpreted or offensive. exposure to alternative culture.
Martha Graham
theatrical dance pieces utilizing sets, sculptures, music and dramatic narratives. used historical figures and greek mythology. universal emotions and conflict.
Graham's Theories of Psychology
concept of unconscious. universal, primal emotions to create movement.
Doris Humphrey
fall and recovery" are foundation of technique. skill with spatial design and musicality. forms and patterns. principles of nature related to movement.
The Art of Making Dances
article by humphrey. symmetry is lifeless. 2D is lifeless. eye faster than ear. movements slower and weaker on stage. dances too long. good ending is 40%. monotony fatal. contrast. don't be slave or mutilator to music. don't be arrogant. don't intellectualize.
katherine dunham
combination of modern, caribbean, west african and ballet.
shango
african god was strong, iron will, determination to bring things about. possessed, serpent gestures.