According to historians, modern dance has two main birthplaces: Europe (Germany specifically) and the United States of America. Although it evolves as a concert dance form, it has no direct roots in any ballet companies, schools or artists. Modern dance emerges as a consequence of its time, alone and outside any academic institution.
Since graduating from Barnard College in 1963, Ms. Tharp has choreographed more than one hundred sixty works: one hundred twenty-nine dances, twelve television specials, six Hollywood movies, four full-length ballets, four Broadway shows and two figure skating routines.
Choreographer Twyla Tharp on revitalizing the Twyla Dance Company.
Twyla Moves explores the life of legendary dancer, director and choreographer Twyla Tharp. Jumping from historical footage to the present day, the film traces her influential career while providing an intimate look at her famously rigorous creative process.
New York, 1930, in the sold-out Carnegie Hall: Mary Wigman, alone and barefoot, leaves the stage as “high-priestess of dance”. To this day, Americans celebrate her as the “New German Dance’s” pioneer. The life of one of the most exciting 20th century artists is shown on original sites featuring partly unpublished material: from the birth of “Ausdruckstanz” in Switzerland to her sensational tour across the USA. She was always searching for the purpose of life – and finally found it in dance. Choreographers Sasha Waltz and Susanne Linke and experts Hedwig Müller and Claudia Gitelman are interviewed, speaking about the life and work of Mary Wigman.
"When The Fire Dances Between The Poles... 1886-1973"
Mary Wigman, original name Marie Wiegmann, (born November 13, 1886, Hanover, Germany—died September 18, 1973, West Berlin), German dancer, a pioneer of the modern expressive dance as developed in central Europe.
A crossover pioneer, this American choreographer melds classical ballet with modern, jazz, ballroom and even aerobics in an energetic mix that impresses, if not always endears.
