Interpretive dance is a family of
modern dance
Modern dance is a broad genre of western concert dance, concert or theatrical dance which includes dance styles such as ballet, folk, ethnic, religious, and social dancing; and primarily arose out of Europe and the United States in the late 19th ...
styles that began around 1900 with
Isadora Duncan. It used classical concert music but marked a departure from traditional
concert dance, as a rebellion against the strict rules of
classical ballet
Classical ballet is any of the traditional, formal styles of ballet that exclusively employ classical ballet technique. It is known for its aesthetics and rigorous technique (such as en pointe, pointe work, turnout (ballet), turnout of the legs, ...
.
It seeks to translate human emotions, conditions, situations or fantasies into movement and dramatic expression, as opposed to following a specific dance style or telling a linear story. It may also adapt traditional ethnic movements into more modern expressions.
History
The roots of interpretive dance can be traced back to the work of
Isadora Duncan and
Ruth St. Denis in the early 1900s. Duncan rejected the rigid technique and restrictive costumes of ballet in favor of more natural, flowing movements performed barefoot and in loose-fitting
tunic
A tunic is a garment for the torso, usually simple in style, reaching from the shoulders to a length somewhere between the hips and the ankles. It might have arm-sleeves, either short or full-length. Most forms have no fastenings. The name deri ...
s. St. Denis was influenced by Eastern dance and spirituality, incorporating elements like bare feet and elaborate costumes into her performances.
Other pioneers of interpretive dance in the early-to-mid 20th century included
Martha Graham, who developed her own expressive technique
and frequently explored psychological and social themes;
Doris Humphrey, who experimented with fall and recovery;
[Au, Susan. ''Ballet and Modern Dance''. New York: Thames & Hudson, Ltd.] and
Merce Cunningham, who embraced chance procedures and
avant-garde music
Avant-garde music is music that is considered to be at the forefront of innovation in its field, with the term "avant-garde" implying a critique of existing aesthetic conventions, rejection of the status quo in favor of unique or original elem ...
.
Characteristics
Interpretive dance is characterized by:
* Use of movement to express an idea, feeling, or story rather than showcase technical virtuosity
* Incorporation of freer, more natural movements compared to codified dance styles like ballet
* Exploration of new or unconventional movements, floor work, and partnering
* Emotional expressiveness and intensity
* Frequent use of music, costumes, sets and lighting to enhance the mood or concept
While it was—and most often, still is—thought of as a performing art, interpretive dance does not have to be performed with music. It often includes grandiloquent movements of the arms,
turns and drops to the floor.
Legacy and influence
The pioneering work of the early interpretive dancers paved the way for the development of modern dance as a major genre in the 20th century. Many contemporary dance styles and choreographic techniques have roots in interpretive dance, even if the term itself is used less frequently today. The effect of interpretive dance can be seen in many
Broadway musicals as well as in other media.
See also
*
Dance improvisation
*
Free dance
*
Lyrical dance
References
Sources
* {{cite book , last=Shelton , first=Suzanne , title=Divine Dancer: A Biography of Ruth St. Denis , location=New York , publisher=Doubleday , year=1981 , isbn=9780292770461 , url=https://archive.org/details/ruthstdenisbiogr0000shel
Free and improvised dance