Modern Dance Moves

	Martha Graham, Dance Pioneer

Modern dance arose in the beginning of the twentieth century, affording dancers the opportunity to rebel against the constraints of the classical techniques of ballet.

At this time, pioneers such as New York City-based choreographers Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Isadora Duncan explored this emerging art, introducing college students and small communities to their innovative, groundbreaking performances.

Now a century later, modern dance is much more widespread and appreciated.

Defined as anything from free dance to expressionist dance, this remarkable art form is based on techniques by famous dancers such as Jose Limon and Merce Cunningham, and explores the limits of the human body's expression through movement.

Dancing Together

Ann Ludwig, 70, founder of the modern-dance company A Ludwig Dance Theatre, believes in the vast possibilities of modern dance. "I think there's a billion ways to do things," she says.

The Arizona-based company, which was formed in 1977, originally began in California with three dancers, three musicians and one mime. They have since performed all over the U.S. and in Europe.

Ludwig has been on the dance faculty for many institutions, including the University of Kansas, San Diego State University and the University of Iowa, where she led the dance program. ...