description Mary Wigman Overview
Mary Wigman (1883-1973) was a pioneering German choreographer whose work fundamentally shaped dance in the 20th century. She developed Ausdruckstanz, a style characterized by intensely emotional and often unsettling movement reflecting psychological states. Her choreography explored themes of societal decay, human suffering, and the darker aspects of the human experience. Wigman’s innovations were primarily influential for professional dancers and theatre practitioners interested in exploring non-narrative movement as a means of artistic expression.
help Mary Wigman FAQ
What was Mary Wigman's style of dance called?
She was a pioneer of "Ausdruckstanz," which translates to expressive dance, a style that prioritized intense emotional expression over strict classical technique. This movement was highly influential in Germany during the Weimar Republic era.
Where did Mary Wigman open her famous dance school?
She founded her highly influential dance school in Dresden, Germany, in 1920. The school attracted students from all over the world and served as the primary hub for her experimental choreography until the Nazi regime forced its closure.
What were the typical themes of Mary Wigman's choreography?
Her performances often explored dark, psychological states and utilized expressive props like masks to convey contrasting emotional forces. She frequently choreographed pieces exploring themes of war, death, and anxiety, most notably in her "Dance of Death" works.
Did Mary Wigman leave Germany during the Nazi regime?
Unlike many of her avant-garde contemporaries, Wigman chose to remain in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s, navigating the era's complex politics. Her work was eventually banned by the regime in 1942 as degenerate art.
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