Contents

Foreword by martha graham
Introduction 13
Definition of the modern dance 16
First rules of composition 23

The practice of modern dance forms

The elements of dance 29
understanding by contrast
space design 30
rhythm 40
texture 46

Backgrounds or sources 52
primitivism 61
earth primitive 63
air primitive 68
the archaic 76
medievalism 81
religious 83
secular

The immediacies of modern life 89
introspection – expressionism 101
cerebralism 111
jazz 121
americana 130
impressionism 140

Conclusion 144
Biographical note 146
Suggested musical accompaniments

English