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30,000 BCE
Paleolithic Period
This period commenced approximately 2 million years in the past and concluded between 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. It signifies the earliest era of human evolution and stands as the longest phase of mankind's history. -
9500 BCE
Neolithic Period
The commencement of this era dates back to roughly 9500 BC in the Middle East and came to a close with the widespread adoption of metal tools. It marked the final phase of the Stone Age, a period characterized by the nascent development of human technology. This era also marked the onset of farming, which ultimately led to the "Neolithic Revolution." -
800 BCE
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece, part of Greek history ranging from the Greek Dark Ages of the 12th–9th centuries BC to antiquity's end, transitioned into the Early Middle Ages and Byzantine era. Ancient Greek encompasses language forms used in ancient Greece and the ancient world, roughly spanning 1500 BC to 300 BC. This period is commonly categorized into Mycenaean Greek, Dark Ages, the Archaic era, and the Classical period. -
753 BCE
Ancient Rome
According to legend, in 753 B.C., Rome's establishment is attributed to Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Ancient Rome, commencing in the 8th century B.C., expanded from a small town along the Tiber River in central Italy to an empire that included a vast expanse covering most of continental Europe, Britain, extensive parts of western Asia, northern Africa, and the Mediterranean islands. -
400
Medieval Era
This era commenced with the decline of the Roman Empire and gave way to the Renaissance. During this time, Eastern civilizations thrived in the Islamic Golden Age, witnessing advancements in agriculture, art, economics, industry, law, literature, navigation, philosophy, sciences, sociology, and technology. In contrast, Western European nations grappled with the challenges of the Dark Ages, marked by events such as the Black Plague, Dance Mania, and the Catholic Church's prohibition of dance. -
1300
Renaissance Period
Originating in Florence and later spreading across Europe, the Renaissance marked a significant period in European history. The Renaissance was closely linked to profound societal transformations. This era was characterized by a renewed interest in classical philosophy, literature, and art. Various forms of dance, including folk dances and courtly dances like the allemande, pavane, sarabande, and minuet, enjoyed popularity during this time. -
Baroque Era
The Baroque Era extended from approximately 1600 to 1800, marked by the introduction of new musical styles, including fugue, prelude, cantata, oratorio, opera, sonata, and concerto, by celebrated composers such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. Originating in Rome, Italy, around 1600, the Baroque was an artistic style period that later disseminated across much of Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. -
Classical Ballet
Late 18th century:
-development of classical ballet as an art form and the emergence of renowned classical ballet works like "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Giselle."
1930s-1940s - Evolution of Ballet Styles:
-Anthony Tudor: contributes to both classical and neoclassical ballet, with works like "Pillar of Fire" and "Dark Elegies."
-Margot Fonteyn associated with the Royal Ballet, becomes a legendary classical ballet dancer, celebrated for her technical prowess and expressive performances. -
Early Romantic Ballet
The early Romantic Ballet period (1830-1850), developed political upheaval, including the French Revolution and the European Revolutions of 1848. Renowned ballerinas such as Marie Taglioni and Eugénie Fiocre played were vital in shaping the era's ballet productions. There was a big emphasis on emotional expression and the supernatural, with famous works like "Giselle" embodying these themes. Socially, the period introduced the romantic tutu and the establishment of ballet as a central art form. -
Modern Dance (Early Moderns/Pioneers - Classic Moderns)
Loie Fuller/Serpentine Dance: swirling fabrics/ dramatic lighting. Isadora Duncan: free-flowing movements/natural expression. Ruth St. Denis/Ted Shawn create Denishawn; modern dance powerhouse. Martha Graham: emotional/psychological exploration, dynamic movements: "Appalachian Spring". Paul Taylor: "Esplanade." Merce Cunningham: chance elements to dance. Alvin Ailey establishes the Ailey American Dance Theatre: "Revelations." Bill T. Jones addresses AIDS crisis/personal struggles: "Still/Here" -
Neoclassical Ballet
-George Balanchine: "Apollo"; showcased a departure from narrative-driven ballets.
-Aurthur Mitchell breaks racial barriers by becoming 1st African American principal dancer with NYC Ballet.
-Natalia Makarova/Rudolf Nureyev: Russian dancers defect to the West, make contributions on the international stage.
-Ohad Naharin: Gaga movement language
-William Forsythe: "In the Middle Somewhat Elevated"
-Edouard Lock: "Amelia" and Mats Ek: "Apartment"
-Jiri Kylian, Leon and Lightfoot: "Sleepless" -
Modern Dance (Transitional Moderns, Post-Moderns & Contemporary Moderns)
The Judson Church 1960s
Yvonne Rainer, Steve Paxton: focus on movement/ordinary activities
Twyla Tharp: "In the Upper Room"
Pilobolus: challenges conventional notions of dance/human body
Anne Teresa de Keersmaker: "Achterland" "Rosas danst Rosas"
DV8 Physical Theatre: "Strange Fish" "Cost of Living"
Pina Bausch: "Vollmond"
Butoh: explored the grotesque/taboo
Sankai Juku: "Kagemi-Beyond the Metaphors of Mirrors"
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre: "Moon Water"
Rudolf von Laban: Labanotation -
Hip-Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre & Tap
African Dance (Pre1800s): traditions brought by enslaved individuals
Minstrelsy (1830s-1870s): shows caricatured portrayals of African Americans
Jazz/Musical Theatre/Broadway (1920s-1950s)
Tap Dance (Early 20th century): legends like "Bojangles"
Hip Hop (1970s): urban communities introduce breaking, dj'ing, graffiti
MTV/Music Videos (1980s): figures like Michael Jackson contribute iconic choreography
Hamilton/Modern Musicals (21st century): fuse hip hop/modern dance into Broadway storytelling -
Musical Theater & Tap
Broadway's Golden Age: "Oklahoma," "An American in Paris," and "Singin' in the Rain"
1940s-1950s: Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire; "Anchors Aweigh" and "Top Hat."
1950s-1960s: Bob Fosse: "Damn Yankees" and "Sweet Charity."
1970s-1980s: Gregory Hines and Broadway; "42nd Street."
1980s-1990s: "Rent," "The Lion King," and "Wicked"
2000s: Savion Glover; "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk."
2010s: Hamilton: blends hip-hop, traditional musical theatre, and storytelling.
Mia Michaels/Urban Dance