History of

Contemporary
Dance
TABLE OF Evolution of
03 Contemporary
CONTENTS Dance

Global Influences &

Today’s
01 Early Influences 04 Contemporary
Dance

Pioneers of
02 Rise of Modern Dance 05 Contemporary
Dance
 01
Early
Influences
 19th Century
Contemporary dance has its roots in the
19th century when François Delsarte, a
French teacher and philosopher,
developed the Delsarte System. This
system focused on the emotional power
of movement and laid the foundation for a
more holistic approach to dance,
connecting the mind, body, and emotions.
Loie Fuller, an American dancer and
choreographer, revolutionized the world
of dance with her innovative use of
lighting and flowing costumes. Her
mesmerizing 'Serpentine Dance' was a hit
in Europe and the United States. Fuller's
experimentation with theatrical elements
and departure from traditional forms
influenced later choreographers, paving
the way for a more visually expressive
and avant-garde dance language.
The pioneers of 19th-century dance
emphasized expression, emotion, and
theatrical elements. Their work paved the
way for the revolutionary ideas that later
blossomed in the 20th century.
Considered a precursor to contemporary
dance, their approach signaled a departure
from the formalism of ballet and set the
stage for the genre's innovative spirit.
 Isadora Duncan
Isadora Duncan was a revolutionary
(1877-1927)
figure in the world of dance during the
late 19th and early 20th centuries. She
revolutionized the way people
approached dance by rejecting the
formality of classical ballet and
embracing more natural movements.
She incorporated elements of ancient
Greek art, nature, and the human
experience into her choreography.
Her dancing style was characterized by
fluid, flowing movements that imitated
the natural grace of the human body.
She often danced barefoot, and her
performances were accompanied by
classical music. Her dances were
deeply emotional and aimed to evoke a
visceral response from her audience.
Beyond her contributions to the art of
dance, Isadora Duncan was also a
prominent advocate for women's rights.
Despite the challenges she faced,
Duncan's impact on the dance world
was profound, and her legacy endures
as a foundational influence on the
development of modern and
contemporary dance.
 Ruth St. Denis
(1879-1968)
Ruth St. Denis was a pioneering
American dancer and choreographer who
influenced the development of modern
and contemporary dance. She drew
inspiration from Eastern and religious
traditions, infusing dance with spirituality
and transcendence. Along with her
husband, Ted Shawn, she founded the
Denishawn School of Dancing and
Related Arts, which trained many dancers
and choreographers.
St. Denis challenged societal norms and
advocated for women's rights. Her work
opened new possibilities for self-
expression and storytelling and laid the
groundwork for future generations of
choreographers who drew from global
traditions to enrich their work. Her
enduring legacy is marked not only by
her contributions to the art form but also
by her role in shaping the broader cultural
understanding of dance as a vehicle for
spiritual and cross-cultural exploration.
The Rise of
Modern
Dance
 Martha Graham
Martha Graham was a legendary dancer
and choreographer who revolutionized
(1894-1991)
the world of modern dance. She
developed the Graham Technique,
which emphasized fundamental
elements such as contraction and
release, fall and recovery, and tension
and release. Graham's choreography
often explored universal themes,
delving into the depths of human
emotions, relationships, and societal
issues.
Beyond her artistic achievements, she
founded the Martha Graham Dance
Company in 1926, which became a
platform for nurturing emerging talent
and showcasing innovative
choreography. Her legacy endures not
only in the continued practice of the
Graham Technique but also in the
profound impact she had on the
conceptualization of dance as a
medium for emotional and intellectual
expression.
Doris Humphrey
(1895-1958)
Doris Humphrey was an American dancer
and choreographer known for her
significant contributions to the world of
modern dance. She co-founded the
Humphrey-Weidman Company, which
became a platform for the presentation of
innovative choreography. Humphrey
developed her distinctive choreographic
style and movement philosophy, which
explored the interplay of gravity and
momentum through the "fall and
recovery" technique.
Her choreography often focused on
creating a dynamic sense of movement
through space, utilizing geometric
patterns and formations. Her legacy
continues through the influence she had
on subsequent generations of
choreographers, and her contributions to
the development of modern dance
technique and theory.
 Merce
Cunningham
Merce Cunningham was an influential
American dancer and choreographer who
redefined contemporary dance. He
worked with avant-garde artists and
introduced an experimental approach to
dance composition that used chance
operations and randomness. He
developed the Cunningham Technique, a
style characterized by isolated
movements of different body parts,
flexibility, and off-balance control.
Cunningham emphasized spatial
awareness and collaborated with artists
from various disciplines, including
Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns.
His dance company played a crucial role
in promoting experimental and abstract
forms of movement, and his legacy is
preserved by the Merce Cunningham
Trust.
 The
Evolution of
Contemporary
Dance
 In the 1960s and 70s, a significant shift
occurred in the world of contemporary
dance with the emergence of postmodern
Postmodern dance dance. Choreographers like Trisha Brown
and Yvonne Rainer played pivotal roles in
challenging the formalism of modern
dance and ushering in a new era of
experimentation and conceptual
exploration.
 Trisha Brown
Trisha Brown was a famous American
choreographer and dancer who
(1936-2017)
revolutionized traditional dance. She
embraced a simple and natural
approach to choreography and used
basic movements like walking and
running to explore the relationship
between the body and gravity. Her
famous work "Man Walking Down the
Side of a Building" (1970) was a
unique blend of dance, visual art, and
performance.
 Yvonne Rainer
Yvonne Rainer was a dancer,
choreographer, and filmmaker who
(born 1934)
revolutionized postmodern dance.
Along with co-founding the Judson
Dance Theater in New York, she
challenged traditional dance norms by
incorporating everyday movements,
removing the narrative structure, and
rejecting theatrical spectacle. Her
famous work "Trio A" (1966) presented
a sequence of movements without any
expressive qualities, thus defying
conventional notions of performance
and communication in dance.
Global Influences
 Contemporary dance has become a beautiful tapestry of movements that
are influenced by cultures from around the world. Choreographers have immersed
themselves in African, Asian, and Latin American dance forms, creating a fusion
that blends traditions, philosophies, and historical narratives. This global fusion is
not just about combining steps, but rather it is an ongoing dialogue that respects the
roots and authenticity of each movement form. Contemporary dance is a celebration
of diversity that acknowledges the collective wisdom of cultures worldwide. It tells
stories and reflects the shared history, aspirations, and expressions of cultures from
every corner of the globe.
Contemporary Dance Today
 Contemporary dance is an innovative art form that is constantly
evolving. Today's choreographers are pioneers who embrace technology and
collaborate with artists from different disciplines to create performances that defy
categorization. They use movement as a tool to advocate for social and political
issues, making the stage a platform for critical conversations. Contemporary dance
transcends cultural and geographical boundaries and has become a universal
language of expression. It reflects and shapes the cultural landscape of the present
and the future.
Additional Key
Figures
José Limón (1908-1972)

José Limón was a Mexican-

American contemporary dance pioneer who
developed his unique movement style. He
emphasized the use of breath and the torso
as expressive tools, creating emotionally
intense choreography with a sense of gravity.
He also founded the José Limón Dance
Company and was a renowned teacher,
contributing significantly to the evolution of
contemporary dance in the mid-20th century.
Alvin Ailey (1931-1989)
Alvin Ailey was an influential
African-American dancer and choreographer
who reshaped contemporary dance by
exploring the African-American experience.
He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance
Theater, where he celebrated the richness of
African-American culture through
passionate and athletic movement. His most
iconic work, "Revelations," fuses
spirituality, tradition, and modern dance into
a powerful and enduring artistic legacy.
Ailey also worked towards diversity and
inclusion in the dance community.
William Forsythe (born 1955)
William Forsythe was a
renowned American choreographer who
made a significant impact on the
international dance scene. His innovative
and boundary-pushing choreography
challenged traditional dance vocabulary
through intricate and intellectually
demanding movement patterns. Forsythe's
legacy extends not only through his
choreography but also as a visionary director
who pushed the boundaries of contemporary
dance.
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker
(born 1960)
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker is a
renowned Belgian choreographer who
founded the dance company Rosas. Known
for her intricate and thought-provoking
choreography, her works explore the
relationship between movement, music, and
space with mathematical precision. She has
redefined the connection between dance and
other art forms, contributing to the
development of contemporary dance as a
multidisciplinary art form.
 The history of contemporary dance is a
testament to the human spirit's desire for creativity,
expression, and innovation. It is a journey that continues
to unfold today, captivating audiences and leaving a
lasting impact on the world of art and culture.
END
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