Modern Dance

By Franklin Lum, Turtle Bay.

By World War II, American dance had evolved in several directions. But the spirit of the early modern dance pioneers lived on in the work of Jose Limon, whom many consider the greatest performer in the history of modern dance.

"Learning to walk sets you free.  Learning to dance gives you the greatest freedom of all:

to express with your whole self the person you are."

No, not martial arts!

Limon was born in Mexico, in the state of Sinaloa. His family, displaced by the Mexican Revolution, moved to the United States when he was seven years old.  As a young man, Limon enrolled in art school in New York but later dropped out, complaining that it was not his style.

He immediately began to study dance with Charles Weidman and Doris Humphrey. From 1930 to 1940, Limon danced in concert works and Broadway shows, beginning with Irving Berlin’s As Thousands Cheer in 1932.

During those years he also began to choreograph his own works. Many of Limon’s dances, such as Danzas Mexicanas (1939), had Mexican or Spanish themes. After serving in World War II, Limon formed his own company and enjoyed great success both in the United States and abroad. Today he is remembered for his commanding stage presence and for the seemingly effortless use of his body to communicate subtle ideas and emotions.

"Till The End Of Time"   ...   Perry Como

From Wikipedia.

When Limon danced he showed his true feelings, a great passion, intensity, and mainly spontaneity. “ Limon’s choreography embodies the impulse and drive of his dancing, but it is clear that the Apollonian mind was there informing his thought and giving shape to his creation.

He had great skill in developing and varying movement from a supreme economy of thematic material. His works based on theme and variation are so harmoniously conceived that it is hard to imagine any gesture, motion or choreographic element not being essential to the whole.

He was a genius choreographer who understood and played with the music perfectly. He combined his phrases with counterpoint “adding dimension to the music” Not all the choreographers were able to combine so gracefully, music with dance during the 20th century like him.

Pub's Side Note: It has been agreed again, there are two groups on Oahu who consistently, year after year produce the best International dancers on this Island. Competitions? you got'em.