Mother of Modern Dance
Isadora Duncan (1877-1927) pioneered freedom of movement. Today she is known as the “Mother of Modern Dance”.
Father of Dance
Shiva, one of the three main Hindu gods, is the King of Dancers. Dance is one of the oldest forms of art.
Modern Dance Pioneers
- Martha Graham pioneered modern dance.
- Other founders were Doris Humphrey and Ted Shawn.
Influential Figures in Dance
- Louis Armstrong became the most famous jazz musician.
- Jack Cole mixed styles and inspired later choreographers.
- Charles Didelot studied in Paris and London. He was chief choreographer in Russia.
- Breakdancing originated with street dancers.
- James Brown is considered the King of Funk.
- Carlo Blasis produced a dance technique manual in Milan. He turned ballet outward from the hips.
- Johann Strauss Jr. was the most popular waltz composer. He was known as the "Waltz King."
Notable Contributions to Dance
- Merce Cunningham introduced the idea that movement could be random. He is the ‘father of contemporary dance’.
- Alvin Ailey choreographed Cry for Judith Jamison.
Dance Evolution
- East Coast hip-hop began with DJ Kool Herc.
- Street dance originated in New York in the 1970s.
- Anthony Horne was the first generation b-boy.
Dance Innovations
- Ted Shawn established an all-male dance troupe inspired by men worldwide. His first teacher was Hazel Wallack.
Prominent Figures in Dance
- Angela Isadora Duncan, born in 1877, pioneered freedom of movement. Today she is known as the “Mother of Modern Dance”.
- Known as the "Queen of Pop", Madonna pushed boundaries while maintaining control over her career.
- Germanotta, known as Lady Gaga’s mother, is a philanthropist and activist.
- Nureyev is regarded as one of the greatest male ballet dancers ever.
- Mikhail Baryshnikov blended grace, power, and artistry.
- Jackson, often called the king of pop, revolutionized dance.