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"...this book should be in all performing arts collections. Essential. (Recommended for) all readers.”—J. Fisher, Choice
A lively and intimate portrait of an unsung heroine in American dance
Martha Hill (1900–1995) was one of the most influential figures of twentieth century American dance. Her vision and leadership helped to establish dance as a serious area of study at the university level and solidify its position as a legitimate art form. Setting Hill’s story in the context of American postwar culture and women’s changing status, this riveting biography shows us how Hill led her colleagues in the development of American contemporary dance from the Kellogg School of Physical Education to Bennington College and the American Dance Festival to the Juilliard School at Lincoln Center. She created pivotal opportunities for Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Hanya Holm, José Limón, Merce Cunningham, and many others. The book provides an intimate look at the struggles and achievements of a woman dedicated to taking dance out of the college gymnasium and into the theatre, drawing on primary sources that were previously unavailable. It is lavishly illustrated with period photographs.
Reviews:
"One of the finest dance biographies I have ever read, Soares’ work represents the perfect blend of colorful and pertinent factual details and larger contextualizing ideas. "—Lisa Jo Sagolla, Back Stage
"A lively portrait of Martha Hill’s formative role in modern dance in the United States."—Erin K. Dean, Dance Teacher
“…Janet Soare’s biography of Martha Hill could be required reading for Juilliard dancers and Performing Arts High Schools nation wide (lie LaGuardia High School which she had a hand in its beginning in 1948). Most of us need the wake up call on how our dance community is a living web of relationships among enthusiastic folks with visionary goals, dreams, challenges and elbow grease.”—Bernadine Jennings, Attitude: The Dancer's Magazine
Endorsements:
“This book offers an intimate and objective portrait of one of the most extraordinary women of the twentieth century, and is a must read for anyone interested in the development of the American modern dance.”—Carla Maxwell, artistic director, Limón Dance Company
“A superb book about the great Martha Hill, a visionary who supported the revolutionary pioneers of American modern dance. This portrait is at once intimate and touching. A must for all lovers of dance and its history.”
—Lawrence Rhodes, artistic director, dance division, The Juillard School
Click here for TABLE OF CONTENTS
Awards/Recognition:
Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2009
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JANET MANSFIELD SOARES, author of Louis Horst: Musician in a Dancer’s World (1992), was a student, colleague, and teacher of dance composition with Martha Hill at the Juilliard School. She is a professor emerita of dance at Barnard College, Columbia University, and lives in Tucson, Arizona, and Lyme, Connecticut.
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