Modern Dance Teacher Resources

Eighth graders move across a space practicing a dance as they work on focus and energy.

In this book report idea sheet, students are given a list of 20 possibilities for creating a non-traditional book report (e.g., making a diorama; making a poster).

Students research Dan Wagoner and apply his choreographic ideas in "Plod" to dance study. In this art lesson, students discuss Dan Wagoner. Students select four shapes from "Plod" and connect in a dance.

Students draw a pathway and create a movement phrase along that same path using specific movement vocabulary. The phrases are performed in class and rubrics are used for assessment. Meets State standards for the arts.

This resource describes the history of a dance callled the Castle Walk, which was popular in the early 1900's. Includes information on the orgins of the dance, as well as text and images from a dance manual of the period.

Glossary of terms, concepts and performers compiled as an adjunct to a university course about the beginnings of modern dance in the United States.

This site, in question and answer format, contains information about the history of and emergence of both ballet and modern dance.

Biographies of famous dancers, including Katherine Dunham, dancer and choreographer. Description of dance styles and influences.

After learning about Fernand Leger's sculpture, students will learn basic concepts of modern dance, create their own movements, select sounds or music, and combine all of these in a modern dance performance.

This 2003 story from NPR discusses the return of the Martha Graham Dance Company to the stage. It includes images of her modern dance choreography, a selection of New York Times reviews of her work, and several links at the bottom of the...

From the PBS series, American Masters, this is the biography for the American modern dance innovator, Martha Graham.

Use this site to learn about Alvin Ailey's career as a dancer and choreographer of modern dance.

After studying Navajo weaving and listening to the story "Ten Little Rabbits," students create their own interpretive dances. Contains an assessment checklist and extensions ideas.

Biographical information about dancer Isadora Duncan; includes the techniques she studied, her dance company, her philosophy, her fame and innovations in dance.

Home site of the Isadora Duncan Foundation for Contemporary Dance, includes biographical information, company information, photos, and more.

A description of the dance Revelations, choreographed by Alvin Ailey. The dance was first performed on January 31, 1960, and made Ailey an overnight sensation in the dance world. Includes video and photographs, as well as links to videos...

Description and information about works in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre repertory.

The newest member of the Martha Graham Dance Company shares her experiences with you. Peek inside her virtual locker to read journals and watch video clips as she learns her new roles.

These activities will allow students to discover the concepts of geometry through shape exploration and the creation of choreographic sequences.

This site offers information on the unique Holland-based modern dance company and its primary choreographer, Jiri Kylian.

A brief history of black dance in America, includes dance pioneers in jazz dance, ballet, and modern dance.

A nice brief overview of her life and a list of web sites and links that provide information about modern dancer Isadora Duncan.

Information about Isadora Duncan's style of dancing and her popularity in Europe. Included is a photograph taken by Edward Steichen.

Profiles the dancers of the relatively new company and its primary choreographer, David Parsons, a former dancer with Paul Taylor. Offers history and video links.