Duncan, Dunham and Graham: A Comparative Study

Modern dance has evolved rapidly in the past century, pivoting on an individualistic rebellion against accepted traditions. Three choreographers, who have played a key role in this development, are Isadora Duncan, Katherine Dunham, and Martha Graham. Duncan is often credited as the founder of modem dance. She was influenced by ancient Greek art and rituals. Katherine Dunham studied Afro-Haitian religion and cultural dances for several years before combining her findings with ballet to create a new technique. Martha Graham found inspiration in Sigmund Freud\u27s psychoanalysis and the abstract art and music of his time. To delineate the extreme differences in each choreographer\u27s style of movement, three short movement solos will be created. A fourth solo will also be performed, which combines all the elements for clearer contrast and comparison of the three techniques