All thanks to some of the most famous Modern dancers, we see dance as something more than the way we used to. Dance is an art that is recreated by selected sequences of human motion with flair, aestheticism, symbolism, and grace. The development of dance has been massive as the field has begun to attract more audiences, especially youngsters. . The fraternity involved in this revolutionary phase has established dance more than a recreational hobby- as a full-fledged profession that demands the efforts of its practitioners.
Therefore, Podium brings to you a glimpse of some of the most brilliant and famous modern dancers who changed the way the world has regarded dancing. The awe-inspiring feats of these faces are well-known. However, trust us to bring the best in one place for you to behold!
Top 5 Dancers who Revolutionised Modern Dance
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is the first entry in this list. The magnitude of Jackson’s legacy is such that he still remains a venerable household name even after 12 years of his death. Jackson was an extremely gifted dancer with a distinct individual flair.
Jackon’s contribution to modern dance is massive. MJ was a self-taught dancer and the epitome of grace, flexibility, and aestheticism. Jackson was so prolific in his art that he gave the industry some everlasting dancing moves such as the Moonwalk. Some of MJ’s biggest hits are The Enigma, Billie Jean, Thriller, Bad, Rock With You, Say Say Say, Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough, and Beat It. All such feats make him the Greatest Legend who rocked the dance stage.
Isadora Duncan
A dancer known to free ballet from the chains of conservatism, Duncan was a truly earth-bound soul. Her love for dancing barefoot was not hidden from her admirers. One of the first dancers to elevate dance to a level of modern impressionist art, Isadora Duncan emphasized free, naturalistic movements in modern dance.
Dressed in costumes inspired by Greek and Rennaissance imagery, this American danseuse was one of the most famous modern dancers to have ever hit the stage. Duncan became a European sensation, all thanks to her free moves which stood in clear opposition to the strict rules of dance. The ‘Mother of Modern Dance’ before Martha Graham came in, Isadora was a brilliant artist, but a tragic soul. Impacted by the deaths of her dear ones in a tragic accident, this dancing queen had to make peace with pain. But she was a revolutionary at heart and was outspoken about how all artists were revolutionaries. Her contribution to free modern dance of its confines is evidence of this fact.
Martha Graham
Martha Graham gifted the world multiple dance forms. Graham’s legacy will forever live on because of her specialization in multiple dance forms and her superiority in the knowledge of dance. She choreographed more than 15 dozen motion arts from classical ballet to freestyle dancing. Her dance styles are still very much relevant, in fact in trend in the Dance industry. Martha Graham was the first dancing ambassador of the United States. Graham was also one of the first dancers to create a language based on choreographed body movements. The magnitude of these accolades speaks volumes.
Martha Graham is the 20th century’s most important dancer and the mother of modern dance. Martha Graham was truly a gem and a once-in-a-lifetime artist and her achievements speak for themselves.
Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly had a very mixed style of dancing, something that we call ‘hybrid’. He specialized in mixing up dance forms and creating even more glamorous like he did with tap and ballet. Gene Kelly was a personality who was loved by all. When Kelly died aged 83-year-old, on Feb. 2, 1996- his demise was a huge loss for the world of modern dance.
Gene Kelly was the biggest Hollywood dancing star who later inspired many modern artists like Usher and Paula Abdul. Many dance schools and artists to this date use Gene Kelly’s techniques and style and it proves his legacy has stood the test of time. Thus, making Gene Kelly one of the greatest legends who owned the dance stage.
Rudolf Nureyev
He was a flamboyant performer and a charismatic celebrity who revived the prominence of male ballet roles. He significantly widened the audience for ballet. Rudolf Nureyev was destined for success as his first performance on stage at the Palais Garnier was mesmerizing. Rudolf became the audiences’ favorite ballet performer.
Rudolf’s grace and flexibility were his biggest strengths. On top of it, his natural ability to time his moves to perfection became a signature Nureyev quality he rendered to his choreography.
Rudolf Nureyev was in a long-term open relationship until death with his boyfriend Robert Tracy, to whom Rudolf used to compare to god. Robert Tracy reminded Nureyev of Mars, the young god of vigor and war, in a favorite baroque canvas by Carlo Saraceni. Rudolf was also a passionate lover apart from being a great artist. He was way ahead of time to be in a gay relationship openly considering the mistreatment of the LGTBQ community during those times.
Conclusion
The ever-growing Dance industry is a major positive as it allows people to express themselves. For this change and development in this form of art, we all should praise and appreciate these once-in-a-lifetime legends who helped us. The artists who helped us make the world we live in today possible with their brilliant ideas and concepts that live on long after their time. All such influence and achievements make these artists the Greatest Legends Who Owned the Dance Stage.
Thus, Podium School invites young dance enthusiasts to enroll in our live contemporary dance program. We ensure that your free feet will chart new territories as you tiptoe with those twinkle toes to find yourself through dance. Do try out our flexible course by the famed and graceful Shakti Mohan to unleash the inner dancer in you!
Don’t forget to come back to our Modern Dance archives on the Podium Blog to unearth more gems like these!
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