The 1980s: When Dance Rewrote The Rules
Table of Contents
- 1. The 1980s: When Dance Rewrote The Rules
- 2. A Decade of Fusion And Mainstream Appeal
- 3. Iconic Moments Captured on Magazine Covers
- 4. August 1980: Dance Meets Video
- 5. February 1981: Baryshnikov’s Journey
- 6. August 1983: John Travolta’s Dance Legacy
- 7. April 1984: Breaking into the Mainstream
- 8. October 1984: Art and Movement Intertwined
- 9. August 1985: Natalia Makarova’s Creative Freedom
- 10. April 1986: Exploring Butoh
- 11. February 1987: The Downtown Dance Scene
- 12. may 1988: International Dance Takes Center Stage
- 13. May 1989: Martha Graham’s Enduring Legacy
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions About Dance in the 1980s
- 15. How did the cultural shifts of the 1980s, such as the rise of MTV and the fitness craze, influence the content and direction of *Dance Magazine*?
- 16. Revisiting the 1980s: A Journey Through Dance Magazine’s Era of Innovation and Influence
- 17. The Rise of Dance Magazine in a Decade of Transformation
- 18. Key Dance Styles Featured in Dance Magazine During the 80s
- 19. The Magazine’s Impact on Dance Education & careers
- 20. Notable Figures Featured in Dance Magazine During the Decade
The world of Dance underwent a dramatic conversion during the 1980s, a decade characterized by rule-breaking and a willingness too explore new artistic horizons.From the silver screen to the concert stage, dance burst into the mainstream, redefining itself through a fusion of styles and a spirit of innovation.
A Decade of Fusion And Mainstream Appeal
The 1980s built upon the autonomy and individuality fostered in the 1970s, pushing creative boundaries even further. Iconic films such as Footloose and Dirty Dancing catapulted dance into popular culture, sparking widespread interest and participation. Together, legendary artists like Mikhail Baryshnikov, Pina Bausch, and Mark Morris were challenging conventions and reshaping the landscape of modern dance.
Iconic Moments Captured on Magazine Covers
A retrospective look at the covers of Dance magazine throughout the 1980s offers a unique window into the defining moments of the era. These images encapsulate the energy and diversity of the decade, showcasing its most prominent figures and groundbreaking trends.
August 1980: Dance Meets Video
The decade began with a spotlight on the burgeoning relationship between dance and video technology. The August 1980 cover featured Gene Kelly, Olivia Newton-john, and Michael Beck, stars of the musical film Xanadu, reflecting the increasing influence of visual media on the art form.
February 1981: Baryshnikov’s Journey
Mikhail Baryshnikov, a towering figure in the world of ballet, graced the February 1981 cover. His accompanying interview detailed his transition from American Ballet Theater to New York City Ballet and his subsequent pursuit of creating original works. He spoke of the guidance he received from George Balanchine,noting how Balanchine fostered both humility and confidence within him.
August 1983: John Travolta‘s Dance Legacy
John Travolta’s star power shone brightly on the August 1983 cover, captured on the set of Staying alive.he expressed his hope that his dance roles would inspire more people to explore the disciplines of jazz and ballet, demonstrating the power of film to encourage participation in the arts.
April 1984: Breaking into the Mainstream
April 1984 marked a pivotal moment as Dance Magazine dedicated a meaningful portion of its issue to breaking, featuring the influential artist Funky Frank. This coverage included a comprehensive glossary of breaking terminology, aiming to educate audiences about this dynamic street style.
October 1984: Art and Movement Intertwined
In October 1984, the magazine showcased the intersection of dance and visual art with a cover featuring Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane posed alongside the iconic figures of Keith Haring. This image symbolized the broader artistic influences shaping the concert dance world.
August 1985: Natalia Makarova’s Creative Freedom
Natalia Makarova appeared on the August 1985 cover, discussing her role in Roland Petit’s The Blue Angel.She reflected on the creative freedom she experienced in this role, allowing her to explore a wider range of emotions and expressions than traditional ballet often permitted.
April 1986: Exploring Butoh
The april 1986 issue delved into the avant-garde Japanese dance form known as butoh, featuring Ushio Amagatsu of Sankai Juku on the cover.The issue offered a profile of Kazuo Ohno, a pioneer of butoh who challenged Western dance conventions, believing ballet frequently enough overly emphasized storytelling.
February 1987: The Downtown Dance Scene
February 1987 brought an exploration of the “downtown” dance world, highlighting artists who operated outside mainstream institutions. The cover, featuring Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, underscored that “downtown” represented a mindset of challenging tradition rather than a specific geographic location.
may 1988: International Dance Takes Center Stage
The May 1988 issue focused on the inaugural New York International Festival of the arts, which helped elevate the visibility of dance from around the globe. The festival aimed to showcase diverse artistic voices and cultivate a new generation of globally-minded dancers.
May 1989: Martha Graham’s Enduring Legacy
The decade concluded with a tribute to Martha Graham, one of the mothers of modern dance. At the remarkable age of 95,Graham shared her reflections on a lifetime of artistic innovation,urging performers to both challenge norms and honor the roots of the art form. “The past is not dead; it is not even past,” she declared.
| Year | Cover Star | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | gene Kelly, Olivia newton-John, Michael Beck | Dance and Video |
| 1981 | Mikhail Baryshnikov | Ballet and Artistic Transition |
| 1983 | John Travolta | dance in Film |
| 1984 | Funky Frank | Breaking Culture |
| 1989 | Martha Graham | Legacy and Innovation |
The 1980s represent a crucial period in dance history, marking a shift towards greater experimentation and inclusivity. Today, this spirit of innovation continues to drive the art form forward, as dancers continue to blend styles, challenge conventions, and explore new forms of expression. The influence of the 1980s is still felt in contemporary dance, proving its lasting impact on the global cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dance in the 1980s
- What defined dance in the 1980s? The 1980s were defined by a fusion of styles, including ballet, modern dance, and emerging street styles like breaking, alongside a growing influence from film and video.
- Who were some of the most influential dancers of the 1980s? Mikhail Baryshnikov, Pina Bausch, Mark Morris, Natalia Makarova, and Funky Frank were all key figures who shaped dance during this decade.
- How did films like “Footloose” and “Dirty Dancing” impact dance? These films brought dance to a wider audience, sparking interest and participation in various dance forms.
- What is Butoh and how did it gain recognition in the 1980s? Butoh is an avant-garde Japanese dance form that rejects Western conventions. it gained international recognition in the 1980s through the work of artists like Kazuo Ohno and Ushio Amagatsu.
- What was the significance of the “downtown” dance scene? The “downtown” dance scene represented a collection of ideas and artists challenging mainstream dance traditions, fostering experimentation and innovation.
- Why was Martha Graham such a pivotal figure in dance history? Martha Graham was one of the mothers of modern dance, and her impact continues to be felt today. Her work encouraged artists to challenge conventions and honor their roots.
- How did Dance Magazine contribute to dance history in the 1980s? Through its covers and in-depth features, the magazine documented the evolution of dance and spotlighted the artists and trends that defined the decade.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of dance through the decades? Do you think the integration of different styles has enriched the art form, or diluted its purity?
Share this article and let us know your favorite dance moment from the 1980s in the comments below!
How did the cultural shifts of the 1980s, such as the rise of MTV and the fitness craze, influence the content and direction of *Dance Magazine*?
Revisiting the 1980s: A Journey Through Dance Magazine’s Era of Innovation and Influence
The Rise of Dance Magazine in a Decade of Transformation
the 1980s were a pivotal decade for dance, and Dance Magazine stood at the epicenter, documenting and shaping the evolution of the art form. This wasn’t simply a chronicle of performances; it was a reflection of a cultural shift, mirroring the decade’s embrace of individuality, athleticism, and groundbreaking choreography. Understanding Dance Magazine’s role requires acknowledging the broader context of the era – the rise of MTV, the fitness craze, and a growing interest in diverse dance styles.
Dance Magazine wasn’t just reporting on dance; it was actively participating in the conversation, influencing trends, and providing a platform for emerging voices. The magazine’s coverage extended beyond ballet and modern dance,increasingly featuring jazz dance,hip-hop dance,and world dance forms.This inclusivity was a defining characteristic of the 1980s dance landscape.
Key Dance Styles Featured in Dance Magazine During the 80s
The 1980s saw an explosion of dance styles, and Dance Magazine diligently covered them all. Here’s a breakdown of some prominent forms:
* Postmodern Dance: Continuing the legacy of the 1960s and 70s, postmodern dance challenged customary notions of technique and choreography. Dance Magazine provided critical analysis of choreographers like trisha Brown and Steve Paxton, exploring their experimental approaches.
* Contemporary Ballet: Choreographers like Twyla Tharp and William Forsythe revolutionized ballet, blending classical technique with modern sensibilities. Dance Magazine offered in-depth profiles and reviews of their work, highlighting the shift towards a more athletic and expressive style.
* Jazz Dance: The 80s witnessed a resurgence of jazz dance, fueled by choreographers like Bob Fosse (though his influence extended from previous decades) and Gus Giordano.Dance Magazine showcased the energy and versatility of jazz, covering both concert jazz and its influence on commercial dance.
* Hip-Hop Dance: Emerging from the streets of new York city, hip-hop dance began to gain mainstream recognition.Dance Magazine initially approached this new form with caution, but gradually embraced its growing influence, featuring articles on pioneers like Franklyn “Frank” Rodriguez and the Rock Steady Crew. The magazine’s coverage helped legitimize hip-hop as a serious art form.
* World Dance Influences: Increased global awareness lead to a greater thankfulness for dance traditions from around the world. Dance Magazine featured articles on African dance, Indian classical dance, and other forms, promoting cross-cultural understanding and inspiring choreographers to incorporate diverse movement vocabularies.
The Magazine’s Impact on Dance Education & careers
Dance Magazine wasn’t solely focused on professional dancers and choreographers.It also played a crucial role in dance education.
* Technique Articles: Regular columns and features offered detailed instruction on various dance techniques, benefiting students and teachers alike.
* Audition Listings: The magazine’s audition listings were a vital resource for aspiring professional dancers, connecting them with opportunities across the country.
* College Dance Program Profiles: Dance Magazine highlighted leading college dance programs, providing prospective students with valuable facts about curriculum, faculty, and performance opportunities.
* Career Advice: Articles offered guidance on navigating the challenges of a dance career, covering topics such as financial planning, injury prevention, and self-promotion.
Notable Figures Featured in Dance Magazine During the Decade
The 1980s were home to a constellation of dance stars, and Dance Magazine provided a platform for their stories.
* Mikhail Baryshnikov: Already a legend, Baryshnikov continued to captivate audiences with his virtuosity. Dance Magazine documented his performances with American Ballet Theater and his growing interest in modern dance.
* Gregory Hines: A tap dance virtuoso, Hines brought renewed attention to this frequently enough-overlooked art form. Dance Magazine celebrated his talent and his efforts to elevate tap dance to a higher artistic level.
* Judith Jamison: As a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Jamison became a symbol of grace and power. Dance Magazine chronicled her remarkable career and her contributions to the company’s success.
* Mark Morris: Emerging as a choreographer in the 1980s, Morris quickly gained recognition for his musicality and his innovative approach to movement. Dance Magazine provided early coverage of his work