DANCE 45 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Twyla Tharp, Jeux, Merce Cunningham
Document Summary
Thought real source of dance was with- nature, art of classical greece, and inside herself. Gave impression she was improvising on stage. Danced barefoot, to music she chose (unusual) Before her, music by big composers too serious to accompany dance. Inspired by isis (egyptian goddess), danced as rhada (indian milkmaid) Tried to bring together sensual and spiritual. School offered types of dance like oriental, egyptian, greek, etc. Influenced by louis horst (school"s music director, belived in self- expression) Rejected classical ballet and styles of duncan and denis, wanted new dance vocab, wanted to imitate changing world. Danse, didn"t move feet at all but contorted body. Xochitl plays maiden who defends herself against emperor. No sets, fancy costumes, themes came from herself and native american rituals. Made dance plays based on women in greek myth. Her dance company one of the first multiracial. Showed dance could be vehicle of personal expression.
