Postmodern dance
Introduction
Postmodern dance is a genre of dance that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by its departure from the traditional norms and conventions of classical ballet and modern dance. It is a form of dance that emphasizes the exploration of movement for its own sake, often incorporating elements of improvisation, everyday movement, and a rejection of narrative and theatricality. Postmodern dance is closely associated with the Judson Dance Theater, a collective of dancers, choreographers, and visual artists who came together in the early 1960s in New York City. This movement challenged the established norms of dance and paved the way for contemporary dance practices.
Historical Context
The origins of postmodern dance can be traced back to the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, artists across various disciplines began to question traditional forms and sought to break down the boundaries between high art and popular culture. In dance, this manifested as a rejection of the rigid structures and techniques of classical ballet and modern dance. Influenced by the avant-garde movements of the time, postmodern dancers sought to democratize dance by making it more accessible and inclusive.
The Judson Dance Theater, founded in 1962, played a pivotal role in the development of postmodern dance. The collective was named after the Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village, where many of their performances took place. Key figures in the Judson Dance Theater included Yvonne Rainer, Trisha Brown, Steve Paxton, and Meredith Monk. These artists experimented with new forms of movement and choreography, often incorporating elements of chance, improvisation, and everyday actions.
Characteristics of Postmodern Dance
Postmodern dance is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from earlier dance forms:
Rejection of Traditional Technique
Postmodern dance often eschews the formal techniques and codified movements of classical ballet and modern dance. Instead, it embraces a more natural and organic approach to movement, drawing inspiration from everyday actions such as walking, running, and sitting. This rejection of traditional technique allows for greater freedom and spontaneity in performance.
Emphasis on Improvisation
Improvisation is a central component of postmodern dance. Dancers are encouraged to explore movement in the moment, responding to their environment and each other. This emphasis on improvisation allows for a more fluid and dynamic performance, where the boundaries between choreographer and performer are often blurred.
Use of Everyday Movement
Postmodern dance often incorporates elements of everyday movement, blurring the line between dance and ordinary actions. This approach challenges the notion of what constitutes dance and expands the possibilities for movement exploration. By incorporating pedestrian actions, postmodern dance seeks to democratize the art form and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
Non-Narrative Structure
Unlike traditional dance forms that often rely on narrative and storytelling, postmodern dance frequently adopts a non-narrative structure. Choreographers may focus on the exploration of movement itself, rather than conveying a specific story or theme. This approach allows for greater experimentation and abstraction in choreography.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Postmodern dance often involves collaboration with artists from other disciplines, such as visual art, music, and theater. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a more holistic exploration of movement and performance, incorporating elements from other art forms to create a rich and multifaceted experience.
Influential Choreographers and Works
Several choreographers have been instrumental in shaping the postmodern dance movement. Their innovative works have challenged traditional notions of dance and expanded the possibilities for movement exploration.
Yvonne Rainer
Yvonne Rainer is a pioneering figure in postmodern dance, known for her minimalist approach and use of everyday movement. Her seminal work, "Trio A," exemplifies her rejection of traditional dance techniques and emphasis on simplicity and repetition. Rainer's choreography often incorporates elements of chance and improvisation, challenging the boundaries between performer and audience.
Trisha Brown
Trisha Brown is renowned for her innovative use of space and gravity in choreography. Her works often explore the relationship between movement and the environment, incorporating elements of architecture and visual art. Brown's "Accumulation" series exemplifies her use of repetition and gradual development, creating intricate and evolving movement patterns.
Steve Paxton
Steve Paxton is a key figure in the development of contact improvisation, a form of dance that emphasizes physical contact and shared weight between dancers. Paxton's work challenges traditional notions of partnering and explores the possibilities of spontaneous movement and interaction. His contributions to postmodern dance have had a lasting impact on contemporary dance practices.
Meredith Monk
Meredith Monk is known for her interdisciplinary approach to performance, combining elements of dance, music, and theater. Her works often explore themes of ritual and spirituality, incorporating vocalization and unconventional movement. Monk's innovative use of sound and movement has expanded the possibilities for expression in postmodern dance.
Impact and Legacy
Postmodern dance has had a profound impact on the development of contemporary dance practices. By challenging traditional norms and embracing experimentation, postmodern dance has expanded the possibilities for movement exploration and performance. The movement's emphasis on improvisation, everyday movement, and interdisciplinary collaboration continues to influence choreographers and dancers today.
The legacy of postmodern dance can be seen in the work of contemporary choreographers who continue to push the boundaries of dance. Artists such as Pina Bausch, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, and William Forsythe have drawn inspiration from postmodern principles, incorporating elements of improvisation and collaboration into their work.