Modern Dance Research Assignment: Origin Of Modern Dance

Modern Dance
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Modern Dance
Currently, the world seems to be moving at a fast speed with different innovations being introduced and old ones being shelved. Of all things, it is indeed difficult even to imagine that dance also evolved, but as history reveals, modern dance did indeed evolve. Initially, dance was centered on ballet, and whenever someone tried to introduce something new, they were looked at like rebels and delinquents. Everyone knew that ballet was the principal theatrical dance and changing was almost deemed impossible. However, like all innovations and inventions, there is always a group that decides not to conform to the norm and instead creates and religiously follows their new paths. Europe introduced the world to ballet, and while countries like the United States adopted it fully, it was at such places that modern dance soon took root. Europe had strong ballet traditions, and it was almost impossible to change the minds of people or make them understand the importance of trying newer moves. However, as is always the case, rebels emerged and decided to try and stick to their new moves and beliefs of dancing. Ballet had rules which made the rebels feel confined and subjugated, and out of this, the need for change grew.
Origin of Modern Dance
Ballet dominated the theatres in Europe and the United States, but slowly the modern dance wave began to cause ripples. Modern dance was conceived independently in the United States and Europe, and unsurprisingly, it did not have any innate roots or connections to ballet. It is believed that it emerged as a consequence of its time and also outside any existing academic institution. There were no specific issues or events that influenced, triggered or that spearheaded the change. The wave simply started, developed, and ultimately overthrew ballet from its pinnacle. Change in the world has always been the subject of individuals who decided to test the limits of their freedom and in the same light, modern dance pioneers believed in their quest and lived to see it come to fruition.
Development of Modern Dance
While it is believed that modern dance began at the end of the 19th century, the significant developments of the dance happened in the 20th century. The developments are often divided into three periods which include the early period, the 1930s, and finally, the post-war developments.
* The Early Period
In this period, many dancers began to see through the emptiness of ballet and therefore sought for a freer kind of dance. With individuals such as Isadora Duncan, May Wigman, and Ruth St. Denis, modern dance began to take shape. These individuals were against the flat and uncommunicative ballet and...