Nonliteral Modern Dance—Its Nature, Forms, and Means of Communication

Abstract

Abstract This study of nonliteral dance was of an exploratory and analytical nature. It was concerned with observing and identifying (a) the product of nonliteral modern dance, (b) the processes by which it was created, and (c) its component factors or elements. The study was limited to one form of nonliteral modern dance, that of Alwin Nikolais of the Henry Street Playhouse School of Dance, New York City. Data were collected by direct observation of professional training classes and observation of live and filmed dances. These data were then analyzed and classified in order to define product, processes, and factors of choreography. Principles of choreography were then developed from the data. Nonliteral modern dance was shown to differ considerably from traditional forms of modern dance in conception, development, and basic philosophy. The nature of the products and processes of abstract modern dance as well as the factors essential to this form of dance were identified and described through observation ...