Doris Humphrey: An Artist First [Paperback]

Doris Humphrey (Author), Selma Jeanne Cohen (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

This landmark book about Doris Humphrey, one of the most influential pioneers in the development of modern dance, tells of her struggles and triumphs in exploring new forms of dance; of Humphrey's break with Denishawn to establish her company with Charles Weidman; of creating a new dance technique which has been seminal to the training of modern dancers; of choreographing in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s; and of creating a choreographic aesthetic that has been a primary influence on subsequent generations of dancemakers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Doris Humphrey (1895-1958) was one of the great figures in the development of modern dance as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and theoretician. This account of her life and work not only tells the passionate story of an extraordinary woman, but is rich in dance history. It is based on Humphrey's own writings: statements prepared for dance journals, correspondence with family and friends, and the autobiography she did not live to complete. The personal account of her growing years, her decade of association with Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, and her collaborations with Charles Weidman and Jose Limon are included. Here too is the truth of Doris Humphrey's private life: her relations with parents and associates; the tensions of marriage to a man who, as a ship's officer, was often far away; her efforts to be at once a good mother and a dedicated performing artist. -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Selma Jeanne Cohen is the author of Next Week, Swan Lake: Reflections on Dance and Dances.

Product Details

• Paperback: 305 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Book Company; Revised edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871272016
• ISBN-13: 978-0871272010
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,306,994 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #61 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Choreography

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book on the life of Doris Humphrey, August 12, 2000

By 

Dr. Lee D. Carlson (Baltimore, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Doris Humphrey: An Artist First (Paperback)

Those interested in and learning the infamous Humphrey-Weidman technique in modern dance get a good overview of the life of Doris Humphrey. The book also has many photos of this incredibly beautiful woman, who not only originated one of the most original techniques of modern dance in the 20th century, but also was a dance theoreticain/philosopher. The only disappointing aspect of the book was that one interested in the influence of the philosopher Friedrich Neitzsche on her dance technique will find only a brief discussion. But the book is fascinating reading, and after reading it one feels even more admiration for this remarkable woman and dancer.