Twyla Tharp Research Paper

Influenced primarily by cultural roots and incredibly opportunity, Dunham had the luxury of studying in the West Indies as well as anthropological study of other cultural style dances. The West Indian experience changed forever the focus of Dunham’s life and caused a profound shift in her career. This initial fieldwork began a lifelong involvement with the people and dance of Haiti. And, importantly for the development of modern dance, her fieldwork began her investigations into a vocabulary of movement that would form the core of the Katherine Dunham Technique. Though many of Dunham’s primary influences lies within her multicultural experiences, Mark Turbyfill also seemed to play a large role in her future dance career, giving her private lessons despite his doubt in the opening of her student company (Kaiso! 187). Katherine Dunham has been list as an influence to “everyone from George Balanchine to Jerome Robbins, Alvin Ailey, Bob Fosse and Twyla Tharp. American dance, including ballet, modern dance, Hollywood and Broadway, would not be the same without her” (Aschenbrenner 226).

The world of contemporary dance is one that is constantly developing and pushing the boundaries of what makes dance more than just movement. However, it is questionable that it would be in this diverse state if it was not for a few revolutionary choreographers. Along with Martha Grahame is could be argued that Merce Cunningham was a pioneering, revolutionary choreographer who questioned given standards and procedures creating the diverse contemporary style that we know today. Revolutionary can be defined as something radically new or innovative; outside or beyond established procedure and principles (Dictionary.com, 2017). In order for something to be revolutionary it has to be in relation to something else, this is certainly true for Cunningham’s

This piece drew inspiration from the African American music of his youth. Years after his death, Ailey continues to be an important figure in the field of dance through the ballets he formed and the organizations he

Title of exhibition: “Circle of Dance,” Name of curator: Cécile R. Ganteaume; Artists/Exhibit Designers: Gerry Breen, Susan Stieff.

After his return from the war, she continued teaching and danced small roles in Shawn's productions. This is where her career as a dancer began (183).

From 1927 to 1944, Tamiris’s concert career persevered. During this time, she choreographed many works for herself and others, such as Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, and members of the New Dance League and Group. Tamiris choreographed works that were forceful and vivacious to express her belief that life was a conflict.

Tyra Banks was born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. She graduated from high school in 1991 and planned to go to Loyola Marymount University and study film. Unfortunately, before she even starts her classes, she discovered by a French modeling scout. Since an early age, she used to dress up in her mom clothes and pretended to be a model. And spend most of her time watching TV shows which are about fashion and styles. This opportunity opened doors to the success she owns. Now a day, If the name of fashion models mentioned, the first person that reaches to most of our minds is Tyra Banks. She is known for being a hugely rewarding model. While fashion holds the biggest part of her success, she continues to grow herself beyond that. Being an African American and being able to break the race barriers in the fashion industry, which was dominated by only whites makes her become an inspiration for lots of African American females.

Katherine Dunham was born June 22, 1909 in Chicago, Illinois (“Katherine Dunham Biography” 1). After her mother’s unexpected death four years after her birth, Dunham would be sent to live with her aunt who would give Dunham her first exposure to music and dance (“Katherine Dunham” Contemporary Black 2). Although she had loved

Lester Horton has been named, as one of the many founders of modern dance, whose style continues to be used in present day choreography. Although Hortons’ early technique was impacted by his interest in various cultures; his style eventually shifted towards a more theatrical technique. Horton used his versatile dance background and interests to develop the sub genre under modern dance, more formally known as choreodramas. His technique seen in earlier pieces and choreodramas such as “The Beloved” and “Salome” were effective in displaying the purpose of Horton’s style. Horton integrated his background in dance, props, costumes, and choreography to emphasize contemporary ideas and display the new genre of choreodramas.

It is difficult to define what it means to be an American considering the constant reformation of American society due to the wide range of values amongst each other. Many artists, choreographers and musicians contributed to the evolution and dance and musical theater in America. American modern dance was created to produce unique expression to the society of America during the 19th century. A famous figure comes to mind when thinking of the evolution of American dance. Martha Graham was known as the "Mother of Modern Dance" because of her affiliations with the choreography of dance. It is said that she created a dance with a "new level of popularity…she created a new language of movement that expressed powerful emotions"(Ember). Many artists'

Dance is one of the most beautiful, expressive forms of art known to mankind. It expresses joy, love, sorrow, anger, and the list truly goes on for all the possible emotions that it can convey. Dance not only can express how one feels, but it can tell a story or even be used to praise a higher power. Dance has intricately played an important role to every culture over the course of time. Two forms of dance that have not only stood against the test of time but have influenced the development of other various styles of dance is none other than Classical Ballet and Modern Dance.

For many years now, a mysterious and enigmatic student has roamed the education system wild. This student’s full name is Kevin Alex Tharp, but it is occasionally shortened to “A-Man” or “My Favorite Student” (although it has been contested that the second moniker does not actually shorten the student’s name.) Kevin Alex Tharp, who is heretofore to be referred to as Mr. Tharp, is well known for his startlingly acute observations that contain the perfect ratio of wit-to-intelligence. Teachers and students alike have admired and reviled this enigmatic young man, but all have wondered who exactly this hauntingly handsome fellow is. The goal of this essay is to take an unbiased look into the very

David Karp was born in july 6, 1986 in New York City. He grew up in manhattan, his mother was a teacher and his father was a film director. He has a younger brother named kevin and his parents were separated when he was 17. At age 11 Karp started to design web pages for local businesses. He dropped out of school at age 15 and started homeschool. He wanted to go to college in new york so he started doing project outside of being home schooled to impress the colleges. Karp never graduated from high school and never got a deploma.

He is seen today as one of the most enduring forces in modern dance choreography, having pioneered for decades. One of his most well-known works Gloria has been performed, with adaptation, since 1981. He has also had the distinction of performing to the playing of world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma on numerous occasions, with Ma remarking that “Mark always manages to put the perfect movement to even my extemporaneous flourishes.” His work on preparing for the funeral of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, and his international performances have made him recognizable around the globe. Having choreographed and or conducted (along with other recognizable choreographers) special performances for dignitaries such as 3 sitting US presidents, the Emperor of Japan, the Queen of England and a Premier of the Soviet Union has enlarged his admirers to superstar levels.

The history of choreography is also very important Any choreography that seems new, fresh and different is usually a variation of something that has been done before. As long as men and women have lived upon this earth, they have danced. The art of movement is among the oldest of the arts.