Isadora Duncan (1878-1927)
Isadora Duncan was the first dancer in Western World to create a new form of theatrical dance outside of classical ballet. Her technique combined simple, natural movement with a Greek aesthetic that revolutionized the art of the dance. Isadora believed that all movement should originate from the solar plexus, as it was closest to where the body housed the Soul, and should spread throughout the limbs in a continuous, undulating wave. Slow to be accepted by her fellow Americans, Isadora's work became famous chiefly throughout Europe and Russia where whe was recognized as a genius by the most celebrated artists of her time. Her work continues to be passed on through the generations by a handful of devoted dancers.
About the company
The ensemble was created in 1994 with the goal of preserving and performing Isadora's masterworks. Young dancers in the group have danced at a variety of events alongside some of the most knowledgeable and dynamic Duncan dancers today. The ensemble has been featured at Riverside Dance Theatre, The Isadora Duncan Society, the St. Mark's project, the Newburgh Arts Council, The Terpsichore Foundation, and the Irvington Town Hall Theatre. The youth ensemble has also been guests of the Praha conservatory in Prague, Chech Republic in 2000, appeared on the Hungarian Morning television show in Budapest 2000, were guests of honor at the 2001 Hawaiian International Dance Festival in Owahu, Hawaii, and most recently toured as guest artists of the Fringe festival in Edinburough Scotland in 2005. They perform at various venues throughout the tri-state area and are available for lecture demonstrations as well as full scaled productions of Isadora's repertoire.