Introduction
Choreographic works are not created in a vacuum but are often influenced by social, historical, and political contexts that shape the artistic expression of the choreographer. These contextual factors can impact the meaning and significance of a dance work and shape how audiences interpret and understand it. Andreas Harris’s book, “Making Ballet American: Modernism Before and Beyond Balanchine,” comprehensively explores American ballet’s development, focusing on modernism’s role in shaping its artistic identity. Harris examines the cultural and artistic influences that shaped American ballet in the early 20th century, including the impact of modernism and the efforts of Lincoln Kirstein in promoting and fostering the development of the art form. The contextual perspective of a choreographer is an essential lens to understand how historical, social, and political contexts shape and are shaped by choreographic works, and this essay will explore significant choreographers in this light.
Historical Context
In “Making Ballet American: Modernism Before and Beyond Balanchine” by Andreas Harris, the author explores how historical context shaped the emergence of ballet as an American art form. Harris argues that the early 20th century was a time of significant social and cultural change in the United States, and this context profoundly impacted the development of American ballet. One way historical context shaped choreographic works was through the influence of modernism. Harris notes that modernist ideas began emerging in the early 20th century, challenging traditional art forms and encouraging experimentation and innovation. This significantly impacted ballet, as choreographers began to incorporate modernist techniques and aesthetics into their works. ” In his vision, his newly formed company with Balanchine, the American Ballet, would boast an international repertory…”(Harris p. 25). Another way historical context shaped choreographic works was through the changing role of women in society. As Harris notes, the early 20th century saw significant progress in women’s rights, which was also reflected in ballet. Female dancers began to take on more prominent roles, and choreographers began to explore themes of female empowerment and independence in their works. Historical context also shaped choreographic works through the influence of American culture and identity. Harris notes that many early American choreographers sought to create ballets that reflected American themes and values rather than simply replicating European traditions. This led to the development of a distinctively American style of ballet, which drew on diverse influences and celebrated the unique qualities of American culture. “La Sylphide” stands in contrast to the experimental, abstract works of modernist choreographers like Balanchine, who sought to break free from the narrative conventions of ballet (Jowitt p.38). The ballet explores the tension between James’ desire to possess the Sylph and the impossibility of containing her otherworldly spirit.
Cultural Context
Andreas Harris explores the cultural context as a key factor in shaping choreographic works. Harris argues that American ballet emerged as a distinct art form due to the unique cultural context of the United States, which drew on diverse influences and celebrated the country’s diversity and individuality. One way cultural context shaped choreographic works was through the influence of African American culture. As Harris notes, many early American choreographers were inspired by African American dance’s rhythms, movements, and traditions, which they sought to incorporate into ballet. This led to the emergence of a distinctive style of American ballet, which drew on various cultural influences and celebrated the diversity of American culture. “ The international rise of fascism created strong fears about the potential of mass culture to transform human nature everywhere…” (Harris p. 29). Another way cultural context shaped choreographic works was through the influence of popular culture. Harris notes that various popular cultural forms influenced American ballet, including musical theater, jazz, and Hollywood films. This led to the development of ballets that were more accessible and entertaining to a wider audience, drawing on popular themes and motifs. Cultural context also shaped choreographic works through the influence of nationalism. Fisher notes that many early American choreographers sought to create ballets that reflected American themes and values, celebrating the country’s unique cultural identity. This led to a distinctively American ballet style, which drew on diverse cultural influences and celebrated the country’s individuality and diversity. Modernist artists and choreographers sought to challenge the established gender roles in ballet and to empower women to take on more active, powerful roles on stage. This context is important to understanding Fisher’s essay, which celebrates the rise of the Ballerina as a powerful, dynamic figure in contemporary ballet (Fisher p. 4). Fisher argues that the Ballerina embraces the conflict between femininity and strength, using the traditional tools of ballet – including tulle – to assert her power and authority on stage.
Political Context
The role of the political context in shaping choreographic works is also explored. Harris argues that American ballet was shaped by the political climate of the United States, with choreographers responding to and reflecting on the social and political issues of their time. One way political context shaped choreographic works was through the influence of the Cold War. As Harris notes, American ballet emerged as a global cultural force during the Cold War, with the United States and the Soviet Union vying for dominance in dance. This led to the development of ballets that reflected and reinforced American values and ideals, promoting freedom, individuality, and democracy. “Many American artists and intellectuals saw in the Communist Party and the Soviet Union a promising model for the central role of the arts in social reconstruction “ (Harris p. 23). Another way political context shaped choreographic works was through the influence of civil rights and social justice movements. As Genne notes, many American choreographers were inspired by the civil rights movement and sought to create ballets that reflected the struggle for social justice and equality. This led to the emergence of ballets that tackled difficult and controversial themes, such as race, gender, and sexuality. Developing a canon of “classics” in British ballet reflects broader political and cultural trends (Genne p. 133). The focus on nationalism and British identity, combined with the influence of state funding and regulation, helped to shape the repertoire of British ballet companies and establish a canon of works that were seen as representative of British culture. Political context also shaped choreographic works through the influence of government funding and support. American ballet received significant government funding during the Cold War, with the US government using ballet as a tool of cultural diplomacy to promote American values and ideals abroad. This led to the development of ballets that reflected American themes and values as choreographers sought to please their government sponsors.
Conclusion
Modernism arose at the turn of the twentieth century, and its central tenets were the rejection of conventional values and the acceptance of experimenting and invention. “The Rite of Spring” was a significant example of modernist art, as it challenged the conventions of classical ballet and sought to create a new form of expression (Hodson). In ballet, modernism represented a departure from the traditional ballets of the past. By responding to and reflecting on the social and political issues of their time, American choreographers created ballets that spoke to the concerns and aspirations of their audiences, helping to shape the cultural and political landscape of the United States. By drawing on diverse cultural influences and celebrating the country’s individuality and diversity, American ballet emerged as a unique and vibrant art form.
Works Cited
Fisher, Jennifer. Tulle as Tool: Embracing the Conflict of the Ballerina as Powerhouse. 2014.
Genne, Beth. CREATING A CANON, CREATING THE ‘CLASSICS’ IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY BRITISH BALLET. 2000.
Harris, Andreas. Making Ballet American: Modernism Before and Beyond Balanchine. 2018.
Hodson, Millicent. Searching for Nijinsky’s Sacre. 2013.
Jowitt, Deborah. Time and the Dancing Image. U of California P, 1989.
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