New Dance

Overview

An elegant account of American modern dance

A guided tour into the world of modern dance, this collection of essays, transcribed talks, and notes reveals the guiding principles of American modern dance founder Doris Humphrey. The main elements of composition—including form, content, and execution—are thoroughly examined in a question-and-answer format, providing an intimate look at the movement in the founder's own words. Examining Humphrey's unique combination of physics and philosophy, the book shows how one woman revolutionized the landscape of American dance.

Reviews

"Evident throughout is [the author's] interest in the dialogue between abstract and narrative approaches to dance making and her broader concern with the role of social justice in the arts. Recommended." —Choice

"Contains material that should be at the core of every class in dance composition. The writing is accessible to beginning choreographers, and will be a great inspiration to the experienced teacher." —Stephanie Clemens, director, Doris Humphrey Society

"It is quite wonderful and will be an invaluable contribution to the current literature. To have [Humphrey's] writing is particularly special." —Lesley Main, director, Doris Humphrey Foundation UK and principal lecturer in dance, Middlesex University

"This book deepens our understanding of this great American artist through the eloquence with which the material is written. It is without question that this book is of great value." —Minos G. Nicolas, executive director, Doris Humphrey Institute

Author Biography

Doris Humphrey is a founder of American modern dance. Her book, The Art of Making Dances, first published in 1959, continues to be used as a text in the training of choreographers.