Introduction to Modern Dance Techniques

by Joshua Legg

Bringing together all of the major modern dance techniques from the last 80 years, this engaging account is the first of its kind. The informative discussion starts by mapping the historical development of modern in the late 19th century, a new dance emerged—not yet known as modern dance—that rejected social strictures and ballet as well. With insight into the personalities and purposes of modern dance’s vanguard—including Martha Graham, Lester Horton, José Limón, and Merce Cunningham—this compilation provides a comparative approach that will enable students to discern which technique best suits them and dispel the idea that there is a single, universal modern dance technique. There are also ideas for experimentation so that students can begin developing an aesthetic sense for not only what is pleasing to their artistic eye, but also for what technical ideas are exciting while their own body is in motion. Sample lessons are included for teachers to incorporate the text into courses.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Anton Lukyanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read if you are into modern dance and want to know everything about its history. This book even has pictures!!! No, but seriously, it was great to read about the people who started American modern dance and took it through time. I've had some familiarity with its history before, but some of the figures like Katherine Dunham and Doris Humphrey were relatively unknown to me. The book also has practical application sections where it gives you examples of class exercises from each of the technique covered. Those examples might be hard to actually perform in class based on only the text in the book, but again - they have pictures!!! Another thing that I absolutely love about this book is that it's very comprehensive and puts together various techniques in one place which is rarely done. Often you have to look through several books to cover one topic in its entirety, but this is not the case here. All you need to know about modern dance in "Introduction to Modern Dance Techniques".

[Mills College Library]

792.8076 L5131 2011