Analytic Post Modern Dance

From what we have read, watched, and discussed I think post modern dance was a movement that provided a radical and unique new outlook onto what dance was. Modern dance had already shattered the glass ceiling of classical dance as it strayed from ballet into hundreds of new varieties with their own style, technique and cultural influence. Post modern dance varied again from modern dance by challenging common assumptions or requirements even of the new modern dance style. It introduced complex questions to be answered through physical expression. This physical expression varied greatly. Post modernism challenged the necessity for dances to be choreographed to music, or any noise at all. Why do we need music as a background for dance? And if we include music why does it have to be written prior to the choreographing as an inspiration for the dance? Why can’t dances be the inspiration for music, or for them to be created independently and combined without prior rehearsal? These are the types of questions that brought about the post modern dance movement. Dancers used strange props, danced in silence or vocalized while dancing, some even incorporated motions that were questioned to even be considered dance.

One artist who was a strong proponent in the development of this movement was Steve Paxton. Paxton got involved in the movement after studying with Bob Dunn in Merce Cunningham’s studio. Performances under Dunn took place in Judson Church, a venue that proved itself to be a place to foster the new work of post modern choreographers like himself. When Paxton was looking for a place to show his own work, he also turned to Judson Church. Paxton was the founder of a dance style called contact improvisation. Contact improvisation is a type of unchoreographed dance that involved some multiple of people greater than one. Dancers knew a series of techniques and motions but had to focus on working and moving with their partner(s) as the paramount theme of the dance style. Partner(s) characteristically have to remain in contact with one another as they move freely around, over, and under one another. They have to do as much “listening” with their bodies as they do “speaking” so that both partners knew where each other wants to go and are therefore able to remain in meaningful contact. Paxton’s introduction of contact improvisation into the post modern dance movement remains a substantial contribution as it is still avidly taught and studied today. Many dancers, even if not primarily trained in this style, study Paxton’s influences as a way to heighten their sensitivity to the way they shift weight between themselves and the earth, as well as how they move and flow with partners they work with in other styles. Because of this, Paxton has not only pioneered a new dance style, but also improved the technique of dancer performing other dance styles.