Modern Dance

Have you ever wondered how modern dance developed? It has an interesting history. For instance: (1) The dancers that started modern dance did so to rebel against ballet, (2) they felt that classical dance was too rigid, and (3) wanted to create a dance that allowed self-expression and freedom of movement.

This article provides an overview of the history of modern dance.
Modern dance is one of the truly American forms of dance, which has now spread worldwide. It was created by combining moves and styles from a variety of other dance forms and individual self-expression. The art form grew out of a desire to rebel against the strictness of ballet.

Three female dancers are credited with starting the modern dance movement. Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis wanted to create a new form of dance. They, along with German dancer Mary Wigman, set out to create something different. Other dancers were doing the same thing, but these three received the most recognition.

The three women rejected classical ballet techniques such as wearing specific costumes and shoes. They felt that ballet was too restrictive, and that dance should be more about self expression. This style of dance developed from this idea.

This form of dance was later heavily influenced by early choreographers such as Bob Fosse and Katherine Dunham. Fosse became a big theatrical success by using the energetic style in Broadway shows like, Damn Yankees, Cabaret, and The Pajama Game. And Dunham was one of the first African-American women to find great success as a choreographer. She started her own successful dance troupe, and earned the distinction of being an innovator in African-American modern dance.

Hollywood also embraced this type of dance, and was greatly influenced by the choreography and teachings of Matt Mattox in movies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

This form of dance has remained a popular style in musical productions, music videos, and in dance competitions worldwide. It will remain popular as long as musicals are performed on Broadway.

When combined with expert choreography, and highly talented dancers, this type of dance exhibits an energy, power, and range of movements which is hard to match in any other style.

A lot of dancers start in ballet, and then move into modern dance. However, there are now classes devoted to modern so children can start young. It's recommended that children start training at an early age, no matter what style of dance they're studying.