SchoolTime Study Guide - Cal Performances - University of ...

Dance TechniquesHortonCreated by Lester Horton, this is a techniquethat explores how many different ways the bodycan move. Horton named these movements“studies.” Some studies are for balance, somefor strengthening and some for working on theswinging action of the body. A Horton danceruses as much space as possible: turning, bendingand jumping sideways, backwards and evenupside-down. The shapes created are clear andlinear. The Horton technique gives a feeling ofstrength and energy.DunhamMartha GrahamCreated by Katherine Dunham, this techniqueblends Caribbean, West African and AfricanAmerican folk patterns of movement and rhythms.The original dance patterns have been preserved,but the dances have been slightly modified inkeeping with modern dance form. The techniquealso employs the styles of ballet, modern dance,jazz and basic folk patterns.GrahamMartha Graham created a technique basedon the principle of contraction and release,movement that is similar to the act of breathing,which creates a current of energy through thebody. The back appears rounded in a contractionand the chest is lifted in a release. Movementitself is dramatic and expressive.Katherine DunhamSchoolTime Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater | 9