When did contemporary dance come to the UK?
When did contemporary dance come to the UK?
Early days: 1954 – 68. In 1954, the Martha Graham Company performed in Britain for the first time. Hotelier and philanthropist Robin Howard was inspired by these performances to bring contemporary dance to Britain.
Where did contemporary dance originally come from?
Origins. Modern dance originated in Europe and America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was seen as combining the physical and emotional, to express the human spirit. From the late 1930s some modern dance practices were brought to New Zealand and taught to New Zealanders by Europeans.
Why was contemporary dance created?
To reduce it to its essence, contemporary dance developed in a rebellion against the hierarchy and restrictions of 19th-century classical ballet. It was conceived as a heightened, kinetic form of self-expression in which each artist was at liberty to determine his or her own creative path.
What are the 5 elements of contemporary dance?
Finally, a great way to remember the five elements is by thinking of the acronym BASTE: Body, Action, Space, Time and Energy.
What is contemporary dance known for?
One of the most important aspects of contemporary dance is the element of improvisation. While some forms of dance such as ballet can be quite rigid and structured, contemporary dance relies on fluidity and improvisational movement to evoke a range of feelings in the viewer.
What influenced contemporary dance?
Contemporary dance has been much influenced by eastern philosophies, applying ideals and values derived from Zen Buddhism and Indian Hatha Yoga to contemporary dance. This is especially true when it comes to mental training and postural strength, required to deliver unrestricted lines across vast spaces.
Who is the father of contemporary dance?
Merce Cunningham
By the 1940s, another of Graham’s students Merce Cunningham removed dance from its traditional setting and introduced the idea that movement could be random. Cunningham is often known as the ‘father of contemporary dance’.
