The Turbulent Revival of Modern Dance (1935-1939)

Modern dance, as a sub-genre of the performing arts, experienced a turbulent but transformative period between 1935 and 1939. This was a time when dancers and choreographers sought to break away from traditional ballet movements and embrace a more innovative and expressive style of dance. With a wave of new ideologies and artistic movements sweeping the world, modern dance became a vessel for societal commentary and epitomized the changing dynamics of the era.

Breaking Free from Traditional Constraints

Prior to the mid-1930s, modern dance had already established itself as a counterbalance to the formalized structure of ballet. Pioneers such as Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and Doris Humphrey pushed boundaries and defied classical conventions. However, it wasn't until the turbulent years between 1935 and 1939 that modern dance truly began to challenge societal norms and question traditional gender roles in earnest.

Blurring the lines between art and activism, many dancers of this era utilized their performances as a means to express their political and social beliefs. The revival of modern dance was characterized by a newfound freedom of expression, allowing artists to explore the depths of human emotions and push the boundaries of movement. The stage became a canvas on which to convey messages of hope, despair, love, and rebellion.

Turbulent Revival of Modern Dance 1935 - 1939

by Kathleen E. Klein (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1341 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages

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A Creative Explosion: The Influence of Contemporary Movements

The revival of modern dance in this particular period was greatly influenced by concurrent artistic and social movements. The rise of Surrealism and the spread of Existentialism provided a fertile breeding ground for experimentation and innovation. Together with the growing feminist movement, these ideologies shaped the ethos of modern dance during these tumultuous years.

Dancers and choreographers like Merce Cunningham and Lester Horton were among those who embraced these developments and infused their work with the spirit of the avant-garde. The stage was transformed into a realm of abstract movement, where dancers challenged the notion of fixed identity and the constraints of societal expectations.

The Battle Against Censorship

While modern dance was thriving creatively, it was also met with resistance and censorship from conservative factions in society. As dance became an increasingly powerful medium of self-expression, it forced audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and examine the realities of the world they inhabited.

Politics and art collided, resulting in heated debates over what was deemed appropriate for public consumption. Many modern dancers found themselves facing criticism and even legal battles due to the provocative nature of their performances. Yet, this resistance only fueled their determination to push boundaries and continue their artistic crusade.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

The revival of modern dance between 1935 and 1939 set the stage for monumental achievements in the world of performing arts. It marked a pivotal moment of change that paved the way for future generations of dancers and choreographers to embrace artistic freedom and experimentation.

Today, the influence of this turbulent era can still be felt in the realm of contemporary dance. Styles such as post-modern dance drew inspiration from the groundbreaking work of their predecessors, while the ongoing fight for artistic freedom continues to shape the landscape of the performing arts.

In

The turbulent revival of modern dance between 1935 and 1939 stands as a testament to the power of artistic expression and its capacity to challenge societal norms. During this period, dancers and choreographers shattered traditional constraints, drawing inspiration from contemporary movements, and captivating audiences with their innovative performances.

In an era marked by uncertainty and change, modern dance became a platform for exploring themes of identity, activism, and human emotion. The legacy of this transformative era lives on, etched into the history of modern dance and inspiring future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Turbulent Revival of Modern Dance 1935 - 1939

by Kathleen E. Klein (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1341 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages

FREE

Ranked one of the 17 new dance eBooks for 2020 as reviewed by Book Authority, featured on CNN, Forbes and Inc. Ms. Scullen worked for several Congressmen on Capitol Hill and taught dance in the halls of Congress Rread, learn from her insights why government support of the arts is a precarious venture, has setbacks, and a leery Congress to support it.
During the great depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt created the New Deal and Works Progress Administration to federally support artists to uplift the morale of the country. The Federal Theater was formed and dance for the first time received federal support which developed a dance consciousness in the this country that would be unparalleled to future ventures. Only a few years later, to be decried communistic by Congressional leaders and support abruptly abolished. Why? Was the dance project a communistic invention or did it develop into a powerful vehicle of communication for the party in power and had to be stopped? The answers to these questions can be found in the Chronicles of Congress.