martha graham / dance history

Question 1

what is modern dance

Answer 1

• the free expressive style of dancing that was developed in the early 20th century as a reaction to the restraints of classical ballet

Question 2

explain movements involved in modern dance

Answer 2

• explored multidimensional orientations, movements which weren’t performed upright, deliberate falling motions
• involved consideration of body weight with initiation from different body parts such as the torso

Question 3

explain ideologies and influences behind modern dance

Answer 3

• suffragists, rise of fascism, world wars, the Great Depression, evolution of other art forms

Question 4

define post modern dance

Answer 4

• 20th century duke, created as a reaction to the constraints of modern dance, hails the use of everyday actions as valid performance movement
• modern dance had become as codified as ballet, post modern rejected formalism

Question 5

explain movements involved in post modern dance

Answer 5

• ensured that ballet and modern dance influences and ideologies became more vague and fragmented

Question 6

explain the ideologies and influences behind post modern dance

Answer 6

• 1960’s: known for questioning truths and ideologies (contributed to social and cultural experimentation)

Question 7

define contemporary dance

Answer 7

• dance style of expressive dance that combines elements of many dance genres through fluid movements
• tries to find the absolute limit of our human body and physique

Question 8

explain the movements involved in contemporary dance

Answer 8

• no fixed movements, explores and develops new forms and dynamics
• quick, oppositional moves, shifting alignments, floor work, use of gravity
• further away from rules and conformities and towards improvisation

Question 9

explain the ideologies and influences involved in contemporary dance

Answer 9

• rather than rejecting classical ballet, fit fused with modern / post modern dance creating a new dimension

Question 10

give brief biographical details on Martha graham

Answer 10

• born in allegheny, Pennsylvania on May 11th 1894
• parents were Presbyterians, refused to let her study dance
• through motivation and dedication to studying dance she enrolled in an arts-orientated junior college

Question 11

describe her technique and ideologies behind it

Answer 11

• unique
• release, contraction, curve of the spine (sharp angular, tight and choppy)
• portrayed female dancers to be powerful figures in society

Question 12

describe challenges she faced

Answer 12

• critics disliked her style, calling it ugly and unnatural, she continued to perfect and master her technique
• did not have the ideal body type hence why she created movements to suit her body
• suffered severe depression and quit dancing

Question 13

describe Graham’s contribution to society / her legacy

Answer 13

• created new style of dance through experimentation with social, political and psychological themes
• went against the realms of society, overcame her fears, connected on a deeper level with audiences, succeeded in pursing her life as a dancer
• mother of modern dance