3.3 Impact of European Classical Dance Forms
3 min read•july 18, 2024
European classical dance forms, especially and , have deeply influenced American dance. These styles brought grace, precision, and emotional expression to the US, shaping the development of American ballet companies and training methods.
Key figures like and adapted European techniques for American audiences. Their work led to unique American styles, blending classical foundations with new ideas, and influenced Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond.
European Classical Dance Forms and Their Influence on American Dance
European influences on American dance
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- Ballet
- Originated in Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century (Florence, Venice)
- Codified in France during the 17th century under Louis XIV's reign
- Characterized by grace, precision, and ethereal quality
- Emphasizes turnout of the legs, pointe work, and virtuosic technique
- Modern dance
- Developed in early 20th century rebelling against ballet's rigidity
- Pioneered by Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn
- Emphasized natural, fluid movements and emotional expression
- Incorporated elements from folk and ethnic dances (Spanish, African, Asian)
Principles of classical dance forms
- Ballet principles adapted in America
- Cecchetti method introduced by focused on anatomical principles and virtuosity
- developed by George Balanchine emphasized speed, musicality, and athleticism
- introduced by Russian dancers emphasized strength, flexibility, and expressive port de bras
- Modern dance principles adapted in America
- Graham technique developed by based on contraction and release, spiral movements, and emotional intensity
- Horton technique created by emphasized flexibility, strength, and coordination through flat backs, lateral stretches, and fortifications
- Humphrey-Weidman technique developed by and focused on fall and recovery, breath rhythm, and dynamism
Key European figures in American dance
- Ballet influences
- George Balanchine (Russian-born) co-founded , created neoclassical style emphasizing musicality and abstract movement
- (English) introduced psychological realism in ballet, choreographed works for
- (Russian) collaborated with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, created character-driven ballets
- Modern dance influences
- Isadora Duncan (American, trained in Europe) pioneered free, natural movements and rejected restrictive clothing
- Ruth St. Denis (American, influenced by European and Asian cultures) co-founded Denishawn School, explored spiritual themes
- Mary Wigman (German) taught at Bennington Summer School of Dance, influencing American modern dancers with her expressive, percussive style
Legacy of European dance traditions
- Establishment of professional ballet companies
- New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre,
- Regional companies across the United States (, )
- Proliferation of ballet training schools
- , , numerous regional schools
- Incorporation of European training methods and syllabi (Vaganova, Cecchetti)
- Development of American modern dance companies
- , ,
- Integration of ballet technique in modern dance training
- Influence on Broadway and Hollywood
- Choreographers with classical backgrounds creating works for musical theater and film (, )
- Crossover of ballet and modern dancers into commercial dance genres (, )
Key Terms to Review (27)
Agnes de Mille: Agnes de Mille was an influential American dancer and choreographer known for her contributions to ballet and musical theater, particularly in the mid-20th century. She was pivotal in merging classical ballet with American folk dance, creating a distinctive style that emphasized storytelling and character development through movement. Her work not only shaped the trajectory of American dance but also laid the groundwork for future choreographers to explore the narrative potential of dance in theatrical contexts.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a renowned dance company founded in 1958 by choreographer Alvin Ailey, which celebrates African American cultural heritage through innovative dance works. The company is known for its powerful performances that blend modern dance techniques with traditional African American influences, showcasing the rich tapestry of experiences within the African American community and influencing the broader landscape of American dance.
American Ballet Theatre: American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the United States, founded in 1940. Known for its commitment to a diverse repertoire that includes classical ballets and contemporary works, ABT plays a crucial role in the evolution of American ballet and has significantly influenced the landscape of dance in America.
Antony Tudor: Antony Tudor was a British choreographer and dancer who significantly influenced American modern dance, especially in the mid-20th century. He is known for his innovative approach to choreography that combined elements of ballet with modern dance, creating works that explored psychological themes and human emotions.
Balanchine technique: The balanchine technique is a style of ballet developed by George Balanchine that emphasizes athleticism, speed, and a unique sense of musicality. It is characterized by its fluid movement and complex choreography, often incorporating elements of jazz and modern dance. This technique revolutionized ballet in the 20th century, influencing how dancers approached both classical and contemporary styles.
Ballet: Ballet is a highly technical form of dance characterized by precise movements, graceful expressions, and a strong emphasis on formalized steps and techniques. Originating in the Italian Renaissance courts, ballet evolved into a theatrical art form that integrates music, storytelling, and elaborate choreography. It serves as a significant cultural expression across various societies, influencing numerous dance styles and showcasing the evolution of partner dances through its structured forms.
Boston Ballet: Boston Ballet is a prominent American ballet company based in Boston, Massachusetts, known for its innovative performances and commitment to classical ballet training. Founded in 1963, it has become a significant player in the American dance scene, blending traditional European ballet techniques with contemporary dance influences, thus showcasing the impact of European classical dance forms on American ballet.
Charles Weidman: Charles Weidman was an influential American dancer and choreographer, recognized for his significant contributions to modern dance and his role in the development of American concert dance. He is noted for merging elements of ballet with modern techniques, creating a unique dance style that emphasized expressiveness and storytelling. Weidman played a crucial role in shaping the American dance landscape through his innovative choreography and teachings.
Doris Humphrey: Doris Humphrey was a pioneering American modern dancer and choreographer, recognized for her significant contributions to the development of modern dance in the early 20th century. She is best known for her unique choreography that emphasized the principles of fall and recovery, which illustrated the human experience and emotion through movement, influencing both her own works and those of her contemporaries.
Enrico Cecchetti: Enrico Cecchetti was an influential Italian ballet master and choreographer known for his significant contributions to ballet training and technique in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He developed the Cecchetti method, which emphasizes the importance of a structured training regimen and proper alignment, impacting the way classical ballet is taught worldwide. His work not only shaped the technical foundation of ballet but also influenced the evolution of dance as a performance art.
Fred Astaire: Fred Astaire was an iconic American dancer, singer, and actor, celebrated for his innovative contributions to dance and film. His unique style combined elegance, athleticism, and charm, setting a new standard in both ballroom and tap dance, influencing generations of performers and the development of dance in popular culture.
Gene Kelly: Gene Kelly was an influential American dancer, actor, choreographer, and director known for his innovative contributions to dance in film and theater. He is particularly celebrated for his unique ability to blend athleticism with a sense of joy and storytelling, making dance accessible and relatable to a wide audience. His impact on American dance is seen in both classical forms and tap dance, showcasing a seamless integration of European influences with American styles.
George Balanchine: George Balanchine was a prominent ballet choreographer and one of the founders of American ballet, renowned for his innovative style that emphasized musicality, athleticism, and abstraction. His work laid the foundation for the development of ballet in the United States, influencing both American dance history and the evolution of ballet as an art form.
Houston Ballet: Houston Ballet is one of the largest and most renowned ballet companies in the United States, known for its innovative performances and strong commitment to the art of dance. Established in 1969, the company has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of American ballet, influenced by European classical dance forms while also fostering new works and collaborations.
Isadora Duncan: Isadora Duncan was a revolutionary American dancer who is often regarded as the 'mother of modern dance.' She broke away from the constraints of classical ballet, promoting a style that emphasized natural movement and personal expression, which had a profound impact on American dance history and the cultural landscape. Her innovative approach to dance not only paved the way for future generations of dancers but also made significant contributions to the representation of women in the arts.
Jerome Robbins: Jerome Robbins was a groundbreaking American choreographer and director, known for his significant contributions to both ballet and Broadway musicals. He is celebrated for blending classical dance with contemporary themes, creating a unique style that transformed the landscape of American dance. His works often drew on the complexities of American life, illustrating a deep connection to the culture and society of his time.
Joffrey Ballet School: The Joffrey Ballet School is an influential dance institution based in New York City, known for its rigorous training programs that emphasize classical ballet techniques alongside contemporary styles. Founded by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino in 1953, the school has played a vital role in shaping the landscape of American dance, integrating European classical forms into its curriculum and fostering innovation in performance.
Léonide Massine: Léonide Massine was a prominent Russian-born choreographer and dancer who played a significant role in the development of ballet and modern dance during the early to mid-20th century. His work bridged classical ballet and contemporary dance, incorporating theatrical elements and innovative choreography that influenced the future of dance in Europe and America.
Lester Horton: Lester Horton was an influential American choreographer and dancer who played a pivotal role in the development of modern dance on the West Coast. He is best known for creating a unique dance technique that emphasized body alignment, strength, and flexibility, blending various styles including Native American dance and classical ballet. His work significantly contributed to the evolution of modern dance in America, particularly by integrating elements from different cultural dance forms and promoting diversity in movement.
Martha Graham: Martha Graham was a revolutionary American dancer and choreographer, often regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern dance. Her innovative techniques and expressive style emphasized the connection between movement and emotion, and she developed a unique vocabulary known as the Graham Technique that reshaped American dance. Graham's work contributed significantly to the evolution of dance as a respected art form in America.
Martha Graham Dance Company: The Martha Graham Dance Company is one of the oldest and most renowned modern dance companies in the world, founded in 1926 by choreographer Martha Graham. This company is significant for its innovative approach to dance, which emphasizes emotional expression and movement as a form of storytelling, reflecting the influence of European classical dance forms while breaking away from traditional ballet techniques.
Modern dance: Modern dance is a style of theatrical dance that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a reaction against the formalities and constraints of classical ballet. It emphasizes creative expression, individuality, and the exploration of new movements, often drawing from a variety of cultural influences and innovative techniques.
New York City Ballet: New York City Ballet (NYCB) is a prominent ballet company based in New York City, known for its innovative choreography and contributions to the American ballet scene. Established in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the company has played a crucial role in shaping American ballet, integrating classical European techniques with new, modern ideas. Its focus on contemporary works, alongside traditional ballets, reflects the evolving landscape of dance in America.
Paul Taylor Dance Company: The Paul Taylor Dance Company is a contemporary dance company founded by renowned choreographer Paul Taylor in 1954, known for its innovative choreography that blends classical techniques with modern dance. The company has made a significant impact on the dance world, particularly in how it incorporates elements of European classical dance forms into its repertoire, showcasing the evolution of dance and expanding the boundaries of movement expression.
San Francisco Ballet: San Francisco Ballet is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the United States, founded in 1933. It has played a significant role in popularizing ballet in America and has been influential in the development of contemporary dance forms, showcasing a diverse repertoire that includes classical ballets and new works by innovative choreographers.
School of American Ballet: The School of American Ballet (SAB) is a prestigious ballet academy founded in 1934 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, recognized as one of the leading institutions for training young ballet dancers in the United States. It plays a crucial role in shaping the American ballet scene by blending European classical dance techniques with a distinctly American style, influencing both early American ballet companies and the development of renowned American choreographers.
Vaganova Method: The Vaganova Method is a classical ballet training system developed by Russian ballerina Agrippina Vaganova, emphasizing a blend of athleticism and artistry. This technique integrates the precision of the Russian ballet style with elements from other European forms, fostering a comprehensive approach to dance education that prioritizes both technical skill and expressive performance.