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Doris Humphrey and the 92nd Street Y: a dance center for the people

Article Abstract:

Pioneering modern dance choreographer Doris Humphrey was deeply involved with the dance program at the 92nd Street Y Jewish community center in New York City from its inception in 1935 until her death in 1958. The program was founded as a teaching center for modern dance, geared mostly toward non-professionals. Humphrey served as the program's director from 1945 until her death. She taught classes in modern dance technique, often testing her new ideas on her students. Humphrey also expanded the children's program and founded a professional dance company to perform for those aged six through 12.

Schools, New York, New York, New York, Community centers, Jewish, Jewish community centers

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The influence of Francis W. Parker on Doris Humphrey's teaching methodology

Article Abstract:

Doris Humphrey, a major figure in the development of modern dance, employed innovative methods to teach her dancing technique to others. Her methods were deeply influenced by the ideas of educational reformer Francis Wayland Parker, whose Chicago school Humphrey attended from kindergarten through high school. Humphrey based her teaching system on broad principles instead of rigid repetitive codes. She saw herself, in Parker's terms, as an artist teacher whose role was to foster expression of her students' ever-evolving creativity by educating the whole person, not just the budding dancer.

History, Influence, Parker, Francis Wayland

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Reminiscences of the American Dance Festival: Summer 1955

Article Abstract:

Doris Humphrey was in fragile health when she attended the Connecticut College School of Dance session and the American Dance Festival in New London, CT during the summer of 1955, but she still managed to teach an advanced class in composition, ready two of her works for performance and provide guidance to her choreographer colleague Jose Limon. While Martha Graham taught at the session, most of the 18 works performed at the Festival were composed by the group of choreographers centered on Humphrey and Limon. One student's experiences at the session and Festival are described.

Fairs and festivals, Choreographers, 1955 AD, American Dance Festival

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