CHAPTER 4 MODERN DANCE PDF

Lesson 2: Modern Dance: Graham and Cunningham Techniques Lesson Content: o Exploring the contributions of Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. References: Copeland, R. (1983). What is Dance? Modern dance is a type of theatrical dance that started in the United States and Europ...

Lesson 2: Modern Dance: Graham and Cunningham Techniques Lesson Content: o Exploring the contributions of Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. References: Copeland, R. (1983). What is Dance? Modern dance is a type of theatrical dance that started in the United States and Europe in the late 1800s and became popular in the 1900s. It was created as a response to traditional ballet and other dance styles, with dancers wanting to express new ideas and emotions in different ways than before. PHILOSOPHY AND CHARACTERISTICS Individual Expression - Dancers were encouraged to express their personal emotions and ideas, making each performance unique. Innovative Movement - Choreographers experimented with new movements and techniques. Rejection of Traditional Technique - Moved away from the strict rules of ballet, including the use of turned-out legs and pointed feet. Thematic Depth - Modern dance often tackled complex themes such as social issues, human psychology, and abstract concepts. MARTHA GRAHAM Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) was a pioneering American dancer, teacher, and choreographer in modern dance. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, she created over 180 works, many of which she performed herself. Her ballets aimed to express deep, primal emotions, giving modern dance a new level of emotional intensity and depth. Martha Graham revolutionized dance by creating a new technique that became the first major alternative to classical ballet. Unlike ballet’s graceful and decorative movements, her dance language aimed to express shared human emotions and experiences, using powerful, angular movements that reflected intense emotional depth. MARTHA GRAHAM’S TECHNIQUE - focuses on expressing strong emotions and inner struggles. movements like contraction and release to represent deep human experiences and connect with the audience. - usually tells a story or explores themes related to human emotions and mythology, making her work rich in meaning. MERCE CUNNINGHAM Merce Cunningham (April 16, 1919–July 26, 2009) is widely considered one of the most important choreographers of all time. His approach to performance was groundbreaking in its ideological simplicity and physical complexity: he applied the idea that “a thing is just that thing” to choreography, embracing the notion that "if the dancer dances, everything is there." During his 70 years of creative practice, Cunningham's exploration forever changed the landscape of dance, music, and contemporary art. Merce Cunningham's Technique - focuses on movement itself, without needing to tell a story or show emotions. - more abstract Abstract Movement - He focused on dance as an art form that didn’t need to tell a story or express specific emotions. Instead, he believed that movement itself was beautiful and could stand alone. Chance Procedures - Often used chance methods to create his choreography. For example, he might roll dice to decide which movements to use, making each performance unique and surprising. Independence from Music - Separate dance from music, allowing dancers to perform without being synchronized to the music. This meant that the music and dance could be experienced as separate art forms. Exploring Space - Cunningham’s dances emphasized movement in different directions and levels, encouraging dancers to explore space creatively. His choreography often included intricate formations and patterns. Collaboration with Artists - He collaborated with various artists, musicians, and designers, bringing a new level of creativity to dance. Dance Composition - Involves a combination of movements that can be arranged in different ways. He believed that the order of movements could be changed without altering their value, allowing for a flexible structure in performances. Focus on Physicality - Emphasizing the physical aspects of dance, encouraging dancers to explore their bodies' capabilities. His technique requires strength, agility, and awareness of space and balance. Martha Graham's Technique - all about showing strong emotions/expression and telling stories. - uses sharp movements that often keep dancers close to the ground, showing feelings like struggle and vulnerability. Merce Cunningham's Technique - focuses on movement itself, without needing to tell a story or show emotions. - more abstract CLOTHES - loose or stretchy clothing like leggings, tank tops, or flowy pants. - barefoot