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Types of Modern Dance

Horton
This well known style of modern dance was founded by Lester Horton. Born in the early 90’s, Mr. Horton started his dance career studying native American dance in Indiana. He enjoyed going to concerts and observing the natural world. Later on he moved to California where he danced for many choreographers. Mr. Horton also choreographed for theater and films. Soon after living in California, the well known choreographer started his own company. He created his own technique of modern using his company members. He created his technique by studying the human body. His exercises focused on strengthening the body and preparing it for preformances. A typical horton class starts standing up with roll-downs and flat backs and later moves on to more complex moves and variations. Alvin Ailey was one of Mr. Horton’s students. When Mr. Horton died before he had finished choreographing, Alvin Ailey stepped in. Many companies use horton including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dallas Black Dance Theater.

Cunningham
This style was founded by Merce Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham started his dance career at age 20 where he danced as a soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company. He taught the idea of music and dancing being both together and separate at the same time. He formed his own company in 1953 with new and innovative ideas. Cunningham choreographed over 150 dances and 800 events. His techniques include isolated movements and has been used by dance companies including the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater. Cunningham has been rewarded for his impressive technique many times. In 2009 he won the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award.

Graham
Martha Graham was born in Pennsylvania and began dancing after she finished secondary school. She studied dance at Denishawn. At the school, not only was she a student but also a teacher and outstanding choreographer. In the 1920’s Ms. Graham moved to New York City with Louis Host who was a choreographer. About 10 years later Ms. Graham decided to start her own technique. She based her moves off of “contract and release” which is what one does while breathing. The technique of contracting is commonly used throughout modern dance today.

Limon
Mr. Limon was born in Mexico but moved to New York City to study art at UCLA. He saw the dance department at his school and realized it was something he wanted to do. Mr. Limon danced with Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman for 10 years before starting his own company. Many of his works are considered classic modern pieces. He was a very hard worker and choreographed at least one dance a year. He was also on the board at the Julliard school, one of the most competitive and precise dance schools in the country. Mr. Limon won many awards including two Dance Magazine awards. "Limón." Limn RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.>