Influence on Charles Weidman
Influences of the 1920's
Charles Weidman began his dancing career during the 1920's, most commonly known as the Roaring 20's. During this decade society, art and culture were rapidly blossoming and thriving. During World War 1, jazz music became extremely popular, dancing became a common activity, technology flourished and America participated in a great economic development and growth. Shortly after the use of automobiles, telephones, motion pictures and electricity became an accelerated consumer demand. Aspirations and significant changes in lifestyle and culture were also evident amongst the American population. The media began to have a great interest in celebrities and women in the major cities were given the right to vote.
Dance clubs became extremely popular and a public craze, with dance music dominating over all other forms of music. Dance clubs sponsored dance competitions where competitors would come and invent, try and share new moves. Professionals started to form the idea of tap dancing and other styles such as the foxtrot, waltz and American Tango were commonly danced. Although these traditional dancers were focussed on by a lot of the population, a small percentage experimented with dance and new styles including the Breakaway, Charleston and Lindy Hop which then came into play.
In 1929, the era came to an end as the great depression set in worldwide, causing hardship amongst everyone.
This era was one of the most influential on Charles Weidman as it was when he was first introduced into the world of dance. He became interested in the art form, after seeing Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn's performance, which influenced his idea of dance dramatically. He soon became known to the different styles that were available at that current time and what they looked like. In 1920, Weidman began his career as a hired dancer for the Denishawn dance company dancing the styles of classical ballet and experimental modern dance alongside Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey. Weidman soon found himself on tour with one of the most famous pioneers of dance, Martha Graham, performing numerous duets together. They danced countless duets including; Toltemic Xochitl, Arabic Duet and The Princess and the Demon. The Denishawn company really helped Weidman kick off his career, although he wanted to break free from the modern dance embodied by the company. So in 1928 he founded a company of his own with Doris Humphrey, called the Humphrey-Weidman Company.
Weidman was highly influenced by the early 1920's, although soon realised that he wanted to be different from the rest of society and create his own unique American Style of dance.
Dance clubs became extremely popular and a public craze, with dance music dominating over all other forms of music. Dance clubs sponsored dance competitions where competitors would come and invent, try and share new moves. Professionals started to form the idea of tap dancing and other styles such as the foxtrot, waltz and American Tango were commonly danced. Although these traditional dancers were focussed on by a lot of the population, a small percentage experimented with dance and new styles including the Breakaway, Charleston and Lindy Hop which then came into play.
In 1929, the era came to an end as the great depression set in worldwide, causing hardship amongst everyone.
This era was one of the most influential on Charles Weidman as it was when he was first introduced into the world of dance. He became interested in the art form, after seeing Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn's performance, which influenced his idea of dance dramatically. He soon became known to the different styles that were available at that current time and what they looked like. In 1920, Weidman began his career as a hired dancer for the Denishawn dance company dancing the styles of classical ballet and experimental modern dance alongside Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey. Weidman soon found himself on tour with one of the most famous pioneers of dance, Martha Graham, performing numerous duets together. They danced countless duets including; Toltemic Xochitl, Arabic Duet and The Princess and the Demon. The Denishawn company really helped Weidman kick off his career, although he wanted to break free from the modern dance embodied by the company. So in 1928 he founded a company of his own with Doris Humphrey, called the Humphrey-Weidman Company.
Weidman was highly influenced by the early 1920's, although soon realised that he wanted to be different from the rest of society and create his own unique American Style of dance.
Influences of the 1930's
The 1930's was a time of depression. World War 1 had officially ended, although the repercussions of it had not. The whole world suffered in the Great Depression. During this time countless numbers of workers were unemployed and many families struggled financially, with 33% of Americans unemployed. Along with the Great Depression other major events also occurred in this decade. During 1930, Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh, the first TV commercial aired in Boston, the first Mickey Mouse comic strip was published in New York, the Chrysler Building officially opened for the public, the consumption of cigarettes increased by 1 billion since 1929 and the U.S population reached 122.7 million people. In 1931 Nevada legalises gambling, the Empire State Building was classified as the tallest structure and dedicated to New York City, the current New York Governor, Franklin Roosevelt, establishes and opens the George Washington Bridge linking New Jersey to Manhattan. In 1935 the U.S announced that they are not interfering in the Spanish Civil War and in 1936 Hitler formally abolishes the Treaty of Versailles. In 1938 a basic wage was established in America to help the economy and in 1939, Nazi Germany invades Poland, starting World War 2.
The most popular dance style danced by many individuals world wide was the jitterbug or earlier known as the Lindy Hop. This dance style included elements of several different styles including; Charleston, jazz, tap, ballet and the complex movements of the Viennese Waltz. The dance consisted of movements in which partners would swing one another around, sometimes including acrobatics. It was classed as "America's National Folk Dance".
Although a lot of major events occurred during this decade, Charles Weidman wasn't really influenced by any of these. He continued on with his company, Humphrey-Weidman and strayed away from the normal trends of society. His style of dance added forceful energy, percussiveness and angularity to the company's performances. Weidman also began to choreograph for famous Broadway shows in the late 1930's, including 'Thousand Cheer', 'I'd Rather Be Right' and 'School For Husbands'. Broadway was rapidly becoming a popular demand of society. In this decade Weidman continued to pursue his own style of modern dance, testing his boundaries and limits with teaching, choreographing and dancing.
The most popular dance style danced by many individuals world wide was the jitterbug or earlier known as the Lindy Hop. This dance style included elements of several different styles including; Charleston, jazz, tap, ballet and the complex movements of the Viennese Waltz. The dance consisted of movements in which partners would swing one another around, sometimes including acrobatics. It was classed as "America's National Folk Dance".
Although a lot of major events occurred during this decade, Charles Weidman wasn't really influenced by any of these. He continued on with his company, Humphrey-Weidman and strayed away from the normal trends of society. His style of dance added forceful energy, percussiveness and angularity to the company's performances. Weidman also began to choreograph for famous Broadway shows in the late 1930's, including 'Thousand Cheer', 'I'd Rather Be Right' and 'School For Husbands'. Broadway was rapidly becoming a popular demand of society. In this decade Weidman continued to pursue his own style of modern dance, testing his boundaries and limits with teaching, choreographing and dancing.
Influences of the 1940's
The 1940's was another decade that was devoted to war. Most of World War 2 took place in the first half, affecting all major countries world-wide. Although the war finished in 1945, the consequences still played a big part in everyone's lives living in that era. This decade also experienced the beginnings of new and exciting technology which they had not witnessed before, including computers, nuclear power and jet propulsion.
Dance styles that were most popular in the 1940's remained the same from the 1930's being the Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Waltz, Tap, Foxtrot and Swing.
In the 1940's, Charles Weidman had dramatically increased the quality of his dance technique and decided to open up his own dance company; The Charles Weidman Dance Theatre Company. With his company, Weidman toured the world. He created pieces that embodied the American culture and the struggles that were occurring during this decade. He shared his unique, modern dance style with the world and it was during this decade when Weidman became a leading pioneer in Modern Dance of America. Weidman continued on with his company until 1951. Weidman also experimented with mime and humour in his choreographed spoof of silent films called; Weidman's Flickers. The dancer portrayed villains, a sheik, femme fatale as well as more innocent counter parts. These film responded to the events that occurred in society at the current time, giving viewers a different perspective on reality. Weidman began to work with choreographing the opera, which was becoming extremely popular amongst society.
Dance styles that were most popular in the 1940's remained the same from the 1930's being the Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Waltz, Tap, Foxtrot and Swing.
In the 1940's, Charles Weidman had dramatically increased the quality of his dance technique and decided to open up his own dance company; The Charles Weidman Dance Theatre Company. With his company, Weidman toured the world. He created pieces that embodied the American culture and the struggles that were occurring during this decade. He shared his unique, modern dance style with the world and it was during this decade when Weidman became a leading pioneer in Modern Dance of America. Weidman continued on with his company until 1951. Weidman also experimented with mime and humour in his choreographed spoof of silent films called; Weidman's Flickers. The dancer portrayed villains, a sheik, femme fatale as well as more innocent counter parts. These film responded to the events that occurred in society at the current time, giving viewers a different perspective on reality. Weidman began to work with choreographing the opera, which was becoming extremely popular amongst society.
Influences of the 1950's
After decades of suffering from war and the Great Depression, the 1950's was a decade filled with vibrant years for people in most countries. They felt a sense of peace upon them. But in 1950 political tensions were high again between the United States and the Soviet Union. They became enemies and tensions began to rise between the countries. This was known as the Cold War.
Clashes between communism and capitalism dominated the decade, most commonly in the Northern Hemisphere. Conflicts included the Korean War and the Space Race. Due to the testing on countless nuclear weapons, the climate became a politically traditional climate.
In the decade of the 1950's, Rock 'n Roll was introduced by Bill Hailey and the Comets and in 1956, Elvis Presley became extremely popular. The most common dance style in the 1950's was the 'Mambo', a combination of Rumba and Swing.
During this decade, Charles Weidman continued on with his career in the dance industry, even though he was not part of a major company. These ten years gave Weidman a chance to develop and produce his own style. In this decade, Winthrop Palmer described Weidman as a "the archetype of the American man-half satire, half hooligan, who can catch fish and the dandy who will abandon any fashion as soon as it became popular." Weidman's personality and character influenced his works dramatically as most of them were comedies. As described, as soon as people copied his fashion he would change, this is symbolic to his dance career, he liked to be different, unique and stand out from the crowd. No other dance style was quite like Charles Weidman's.
Clashes between communism and capitalism dominated the decade, most commonly in the Northern Hemisphere. Conflicts included the Korean War and the Space Race. Due to the testing on countless nuclear weapons, the climate became a politically traditional climate.
In the decade of the 1950's, Rock 'n Roll was introduced by Bill Hailey and the Comets and in 1956, Elvis Presley became extremely popular. The most common dance style in the 1950's was the 'Mambo', a combination of Rumba and Swing.
During this decade, Charles Weidman continued on with his career in the dance industry, even though he was not part of a major company. These ten years gave Weidman a chance to develop and produce his own style. In this decade, Winthrop Palmer described Weidman as a "the archetype of the American man-half satire, half hooligan, who can catch fish and the dandy who will abandon any fashion as soon as it became popular." Weidman's personality and character influenced his works dramatically as most of them were comedies. As described, as soon as people copied his fashion he would change, this is symbolic to his dance career, he liked to be different, unique and stand out from the crowd. No other dance style was quite like Charles Weidman's.
Influence of the 1960's
The 1960's is also most commonly known as the 'Sixties'. It was a decade of political and social uproar all over the world. Young people often challenged the traditional values of their parents' past generation. It was a decade of revolution in social norms about clothing, music, drugs, dress and schooling. The decade is classified as one of the most irresponsible, flamboyant and destruction of society, with the relaxation of social taboos referring to racism and sexism.
Africa experienced radical political change as 32 countries gained independence from their colonial rulers.
In the 1960's, The United States pushed for social reforms resulting in civil rights for African Americans and health care for the elderly and the poor. The American role in the Vietnam War caused outrage amongst student protestors across the globe and rebellion became extremely evident. Italy formed it's government in 1962 and the labour party gained power in Britain in 1964. Joao Goulart became president of Brazil.
In the 1960's, social dancing became very popular. Some of the moves are classified as The stroll, The Twist, The Mash Potato, The Monster Mash, The Monkey, The Madison, The Hully Gully, The Pony, The Chubby Chucker, The Hatch Hike, The Swim, and The Freddy. These dances could be danced by anyone and weren't very technical. Technical dances such as ballet and ballroom styles were also very popular.
In the 1960's Weidman re-established himself as a New York based artist again. Weidman co-founded the 'Expression of Two Arts Theatre' in New York in 1960 with sculptor Mikhail Santaro. Weidman continued on with this partnership, choreographing and teaching until 1970. Weidman still continued on with his comedy dances that embodied the typical American person. He was influenced by the public craze of fads and used slight hints of these general dance moves, articulating them and making them his own.
Africa experienced radical political change as 32 countries gained independence from their colonial rulers.
In the 1960's, The United States pushed for social reforms resulting in civil rights for African Americans and health care for the elderly and the poor. The American role in the Vietnam War caused outrage amongst student protestors across the globe and rebellion became extremely evident. Italy formed it's government in 1962 and the labour party gained power in Britain in 1964. Joao Goulart became president of Brazil.
In the 1960's, social dancing became very popular. Some of the moves are classified as The stroll, The Twist, The Mash Potato, The Monster Mash, The Monkey, The Madison, The Hully Gully, The Pony, The Chubby Chucker, The Hatch Hike, The Swim, and The Freddy. These dances could be danced by anyone and weren't very technical. Technical dances such as ballet and ballroom styles were also very popular.
In the 1960's Weidman re-established himself as a New York based artist again. Weidman co-founded the 'Expression of Two Arts Theatre' in New York in 1960 with sculptor Mikhail Santaro. Weidman continued on with this partnership, choreographing and teaching until 1970. Weidman still continued on with his comedy dances that embodied the typical American person. He was influenced by the public craze of fads and used slight hints of these general dance moves, articulating them and making them his own.
How Society Influenced the Themes Of Weidman's Pieces
Charles Weidman based most of his art pieces around the society of America. Elements and themes in which he based his dances around included religion, comedy, tribal and serious work. In his famous short and silent film the 'Flickers', Weidman took on a comedy approach which satirised the typical American traits and racial and sex stereotypes were exaggerated to the point of hilarity. In contrast, Weidman choreographed a series called Atavism, which consisted of a blood thirst mob acting like vultures and devouring their prey and dancers investigating a serious murder case. Weidman would often dedicate pieces to the people that had influence him in his career. Some of these pieces include "Brahmz Waltzes", dedicated to Doris Humphrey, "On My Mother's Side", dedicated to his side and "Oratorios", dedicated to his religion. Charles Weidman lived though a positive time where there was an urgent need to express oneself and there emotions about the time they lived in. He was one of the first modern dance pioneers to expand modern dance thematically from its concern of individual and include the observations they have of society on society. As you can see, Weidman was influenced tremendously by society and used dance to express his feelings and emotions towards certain situations.
1970-1975
Charles Weidman retired in 1970 after one of the greatest and most successful decades of his career. Charles Weidman died in 1975, although his unique modern style lived on and is still being developed today. Charles Weidman began his dancing career during an immense time of change. He worked through the Great Depression and World War 2. Although his work was not very political, his themes and ideas were designed and created to embody the American Culture.