http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/373282926

The makers of modern dance in Germany Rudolf Laban, Mary Wigman, Kurt Joos

Rare archival films, stills and interviews illuminate the rise of modern dance in Europe and its founders, Rudolf Laban, Mary Wigman and Kurt Jooss. Part I begins with Rudolf Laban, credited with being one of the most important innovators and guiding forces for modern dance. It continues with Laban's two most gifted and influential students, Mary Wigman, who became the foremost choreographer and exponent of German Expressionist dance, and Kurt Jooss, who was Laban's assistant and lead dancer. Jooss later established his own company, Ballets Jooss, with great success until forced to leave Germany for political reasons in 1933. Part II continues with the 1936 Olympics and the cancellation by Josef Goebbels of Laban's massive opening choreographic piece The Spring Wind and The New Joy, and Laban's subsequent fall from favor. World War II finds Jooss and Laban teaching and working in England, while Wigman remains in Germany only to experience the destruction of her school in an air raid. The post-War period focuses on Jooss' return to Germany and the famous Folkwang School; and Wigman's eventual move to West Germany and return to choreography.

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