Abstract
As Art Nouveau became prominent within American style and physical culture was establishing itself among the United States, the art of dance was evolving with the times. With the shift in art style came a collaboration of ideas in the arts, including the combination of movement and emotion studied by Francois Delsarte and the blend of music and movement in the teachings of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze. As a result of the work of these artists and the changing lifestyle of the United States, new innovations were brought into the world of dance. Previously viewed as an art known for the structure and tricks of ballerinas, women such as Loie Fuller and Isadora Duncan ushered in modern dance. Modern dance rejected the performative aspect of dance and allowed it to be composed based off the movements tied to those feelings. Loie Fuller introduced new components of ingenuity to the art of dance, debuting with lights, props, and fabrics, inspired by the shifting styles of the period, which broadened the dynamics of dance as a performance. Isadora Duncan, a feminist, argued for the rawness of human emotion within movement, a component to dance inspired by Delsarte and Dalcroze. These artists had integral roles in paving the path for future modern dancers and brought back the artistic aspect of dance within performances. Modern dance evolved the world of dance to become an art that is composed of humanness and emotion.
Recommended Citation
Ervay, Shannon
(2023)
"The Innovations of Modern Dance,"
Proceedings of GREAT Day: Vol. 2022, Article 6.
Available at:
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/proceedings-of-great-day/vol2022/iss1/6