Vocabulary 1-1
one of the key elements of Martha Graham’s technique; the forward curving of the spine, starting from the middle spine; uses the exhalation of breath
contraction
These two dancers used the principle of fall and recovery, were interested in how breath affects movement, and were concerned with basic structural forms, which reflected ideas of group and social conscious.
Charles Weidman and Doris Humphrey
comes from the torso around the axis of the spine
spiral
the sequence of steps and movements in a dance
Choreography
a position where you have the ball of your foot on the floor and you push your weight over it
forced arch
a position of the feet or legs where they are facing the same direction and do not intersect
parallel
Rebel against ______.
convention
seated with front leg in a very closed attitude and the back leg closed in a very tight attitude
4th position (seated)
a position with the body on the floor, a slight contraction in the body, with the breath in, the arms at the sides cupped open to the sky
plumb line
Paves the way for African American Modern Dance; known as “Mother of modern jazz”:
Katherine Dunham
a vertical standing split and inclining the upper body to the side while maintaining balance
tilt
List 3 modern dance aesthetics:
Rebel against convention
Individuality/expressing the self
Experiencing the body/The Thinking Body
Exploring movement
Whole Body Movements
Grounded movements
A lot of social and political topics
an isometric core exercise for strengthening that involves maintaining a position similar to a push-up for the maximum possible time.
plank
Who was one of the first to close the gap between modern and ballet?
Alvin Ailey
a position of the torso where the heels are lifted, knees are bent, and the upper body leaned back in a straight line from the knees to the top of the head
hinge
a type of sustained movement where there is a delay of action causing a hanging in the air feeling
suspension
This modern dance pioneer emphasized a sense of pulse and spatial design.
Hanya Holm
a three step movement in the following order: plie, releve, releve
triplet
Use of everyday gestures and cutting edge social themes:
Paul Taylor
torso is suspended horizontally in space like the top of a table; the dancer bends forward from the hips at a 90-degree angle; the back is straight and parallel to the floor
flat back
a spatial term that places the body in relationship to the ground below; where the body alignment is in relation to the floor
plumb line
This modern dancer used extensive work with video/film & contemporary technology.
Merce Cunningham
the process of creating movement without any planned steps or choreography
improvisation
dancer stands on one leg, tilts his/her torso 90 degrees, and counterbalances it with the opposite energy of the extended leg; created by Lester Horton
lateral t
Known for the use of abstract dance-theater:
Alwin Nikolais