Lester Horton

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lester Horton was born in 1906 in Indiana and moved to Los Angeles, where he established one of the first racially integrated dance companies in America.
2. He founded the Lester Horton Dance Theater in 1946, which became a significant platform for showcasing innovative modern dance works.
3. Horton's choreography often incorporated themes from American culture and addressed social issues, making his work both artistically relevant and socially conscious.
4. He was a pioneer in using diverse cultural influences in his choreography, including elements from African, Asian, and Native American dance traditions.
5. Horton's legacy includes not only his own choreography but also his influence on future generations of dancers, including notable figures like Alvin Ailey and Bella Lewitzky.

Review Questions

• How did Lester Horton's choreography reflect the cultural diversity of America during his time?
  • Lester Horton's choreography was deeply influenced by various cultural traditions, including Native American and African dance forms. By incorporating these diverse elements into his works, he not only showcased the richness of different cultures but also made a statement about inclusivity in the arts. This approach allowed Horton to create pieces that resonated with a wide audience while promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
• Discuss the significance of the Horton Technique and how it influenced modern dance education.
  • The Horton Technique is significant as it introduced a new approach to body movement that emphasized strength, flexibility, and coordination. This technique has become a foundational aspect of modern dance education, influencing many dancers and choreographers. By incorporating diverse movement styles and focusing on physical alignment, the Horton Technique has provided a comprehensive framework for understanding movement dynamics that continues to be taught in dance schools worldwide.
• Evaluate how Lester Horton's contributions to modern dance paved the way for future choreographers like Alvin Ailey.
  • Lester Horton's contributions to modern dance laid a critical foundation for future choreographers like Alvin Ailey. Horton’s emphasis on incorporating diverse cultural influences into choreography inspired Ailey to create works that celebrated African American heritage while addressing broader social themes. By studying under Horton, Ailey inherited not only technical skills but also a commitment to diversity in dance expression. This legacy is evident in Ailey's own company, which further advanced modern dance by showcasing the importance of cultural narratives within performance art.

Related terms

Modern Dance: A genre of dance that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by its rejection of classical ballet norms and its focus on expressive movements and themes.

Horton Technique: A dance technique developed by Lester Horton that emphasizes strong torso movements, flexibility, and the use of the entire body to create dynamic and expressive choreography.

Alvin Ailey: A prominent African American dancer and choreographer who studied under Lester Horton and went on to establish his own influential dance company, blending Horton’s techniques with his own unique vision.