10.4 Postmodern Choreographers and Their Legacies

Postmodern choreographers like Pina Bausch, Twyla Tharp, and Mark Morris revolutionized dance in the late 20th century. They blended different styles, incorporated everyday movements, and pushed artistic boundaries, creating works that were both accessible and thought-provoking.

These innovators left a lasting impact on contemporary dance. They blurred lines between art forms, emphasized individual expression, and used dance as a medium for social commentary. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations of dancers and choreographers worldwide.

Postmodern Choreographers

Key postmodern choreographers and works

Top images from around the web for Key postmodern choreographers and works

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  Mark Morris Dance Group – review | PhcityonWeb View original

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  Estreia a remontagem de “A Sagração da Primavera”, de Pina Bausch - Correio Nagô View original

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  Twyla Tharp – Stále zářící americká star - Taneční aktuality View original

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  Mark Morris Dance Group – review | PhcityonWeb View original

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  Estreia a remontagem de “A Sagração da Primavera”, de Pina Bausch - Correio Nagô View original

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Top images from around the web for Key postmodern choreographers and works

• 

  Mark Morris Dance Group – review | PhcityonWeb View original

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• 

  Estreia a remontagem de “A Sagração da Primavera”, de Pina Bausch - Correio Nagô View original

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• 

  Twyla Tharp – Stále zářící americká star - Taneční aktuality View original

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• 

  Mark Morris Dance Group – review | PhcityonWeb View original

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• 

  Estreia a remontagem de “A Sagração da Primavera”, de Pina Bausch - Correio Nagô View original

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• Pina Bausch
  • German choreographer and dancer who founded Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch
  • Pioneered the Tanztheater (dance theater) style blending dance, theater, and everyday movements
  • Significant works include "Rite of Spring" (1975) exploring themes of sacrifice and ritual, "Café Müller" (1978) delving into loneliness and human connection, and "Kontakthof" (1978) examining relationships across generations
• Twyla Tharp
  • American dancer, choreographer, and author who established the Twyla Tharp Dance Company
  • Known for her fusion of classical ballet and modern dance techniques, incorporating popular music (Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra) and cultural references
  • Notable works include "Deuce Coupe" (1973) set to Beach Boys music, "Push Comes to Shove" (1976) showcasing technical virtuosity, and "In the Upper Room" (1986) featuring athletic and dynamic movement
• Mark Morris
  • American choreographer, dancer, and opera director who founded the Mark Morris Dance Group
  • Recognized for his musical sensitivity, often collaborating with live musicians (Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax)
  • Significant works include "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato" (1988) set to Handel's oratorio, "The Hard Nut" (1991) a witty retelling of "The Nutcracker," and "Dido and Aeneas" (1989) exploring gender roles in the opera

Approaches in postmodern choreography

• Pina Bausch
  • Developed Tanztheater (dance theater) combining elements of dance, theater, and everyday movements
  • Explored complex human emotions (desire, fear, loneliness), relationships, and social issues through abstract and surreal choreography
  • Incorporated spoken word, singing, and unconventional props (dirt, water, flowers) to create immersive environments
• Twyla Tharp
  • Blended classical ballet and modern dance techniques, emphasizing athleticism and technical virtuosity
  • Incorporated popular music (Beach Boys, David Byrne) and cultural references to create accessible and engaging works
  • Collaborated with artists from diverse disciplines (Miloš Forman, Philip Glass) to push the boundaries of dance
• Mark Morris
  • Known for his musical sensitivity and frequent collaborations with live musicians (Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax)
  • Infused his choreography with humor, wit, and playfulness, often subverting traditional gender roles and expectations
  • Drew inspiration from a wide range of musical sources (baroque, classical, folk) to create dynamic and expressive works

Impact and Legacy

Influence on contemporary dance

• Blurred boundaries between dance and other art forms, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations (theater, music, visual arts)
• Emphasized individual expression and diversity, rejecting strict codified techniques in favor of a wide range of movement vocabularies
• Increased focus on conceptual and thematic content, using dance as a medium for social and political commentary and exploring personal narratives and experiences

Legacies of postmodern choreographers

• Expanded the definition and possibilities of dance, challenging traditional notions of choreography and performance
• Inspired future generations of choreographers and dancers, paving the way for new artistic voices and perspectives
• Established influential dance companies (Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Twyla Tharp Dance Company, Mark Morris Dance Group) and institutions, providing platforms for the creation and presentation of new works and fostering international exchange and collaboration in the dance community