Doris Humphrey

Doris Humphrey
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Name	Doris Humphrey
Birth date	October 17, 1895
Birth place	Oak Park, Illinois
Death date	December 29, 1958
Death place	New York City
Occupation	Dancer, Choreographer

Doris Humphrey was a renowned American dancer and choreographer who played a pivotal role in the development of modern dance in the United States. She was a key figure in the Denishawn company, founded by Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, and later became a leading figure in the Martha Graham Dance Company. Humphrey's work was influenced by Isadora Duncan, Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, and Mary Wigman, and she collaborated with notable composers such as Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith. Her contributions to the world of dance were recognized by the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress.

● Early Life and Training

Doris Humphrey began her dance training at the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, where she studied with Mary Wood Hinman. She later attended the Denishawn School in Los Angeles, where she was taught by Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn. Humphrey's early career was influenced by her work with the Denishawn Dance Company, which toured extensively throughout the United States and Asia. She also studied with Émile Jaques-Dalcroze in Hellerau, Germany, and was exposed to the works of Isadora Duncan and Mary Wigman.

● Career

Humphrey's career as a dancer and choreographer spanned several decades and was marked by collaborations with notable figures such as Martha Graham, Charles Weidman, and Hanya Holm. She was a founding member of the Humphrey-Weidman Company, which was established in 1928 and was known for its innovative and experimental approach to dance. Humphrey also worked with the Ballets Russes and the New York City Ballet, and was a guest artist with the Royal Danish Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet. Her work was influenced by Ballets Russes' Serge Diaghilev and Vaslav Nijinsky, as well as Merce Cunningham and Alvin Ailey.

● Choreographic Works

Humphrey's choreographic works include The Shakers (1931), New Dance (1935), and Day on Earth (1947). Her choreography was known for its emphasis on modern dance techniques and its exploration of themes such as nature, humanity, and social justice. Humphrey's work was also influenced by abstract expressionism and surrealism, and she collaborated with artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Her choreography was performed by companies such as the Martha Graham Dance Company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

● Legacy

Doris Humphrey's legacy as a dancer and choreographer continues to be felt in the world of modern dance. She was a pioneer of modern dance in the United States and played a key role in the development of the Humphrey-Weidman technique. Humphrey's work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, and the Dance Heritage Coalition. Her contributions to the world of dance have been celebrated by companies such as the New York City Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, and the San Francisco Ballet.

● Personal Life

Doris Humphrey was born on October 17, 1895, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Horace Buckingham Humphrey and Julia Frances Humphrey. She died on December 29, 1958, in New York City. Humphrey was married to Charles Francis Woodford and had one son, Charles Humphrey Woodford. Her personal life was marked by a deep commitment to her work as a dancer and choreographer, and she was known for her intense dedication to her craft. Humphrey's life and work have been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, including Doris Humphrey: An Artist First and The Doris Humphrey Technique. Category:American dancers