German Lineage in Modern Dance

The pioneering new DVD release celebrates the legacy of modern dance that started in Germany before World War I and expanded into new dimensions in the United States in the late 20th century. The influence of this complex and compelling heritage has spanned decades and spread to diverse areas globally.

This intriguing “must see” DVD presents solos by innovators and artistic heirs of German Expression Dance, or Ausdruckstanz.Works of each choreographer are highlighted through solos, narration and original photographs.Blending academic research and artistry, Dr. Betsy Fisher, has conceived and performed this DVD. Extensive research was conducted in dance archives and dance studios in the United States and Europe. The original choreographers, and/or those who best represent the choreographer’s legacy, directed these solos.

DVD run time: 58 minutes

German Lineage in Modern Dance blends these captivating dance segments with fascinating narration and original photographs. The result is an eye-opening tour of a vibrant dance tradition that has strong German roots but reaches out to its witnesses worldwide. A treasure to experience, German Lineage in Modern Dance is the next best thing to seeing modern dance performed in person, and is highly recommended to dance enthusiasts, scholars, and college library DVD collections alike. Midwest Book Review: February 2012
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Program Details

Researched, Conceived and Performed by
Dr. Betsy Fisher

Editorial Advisor
Marcia Siegel

DVD Editor
Stuart Math

Chapters:

Historic Introduction
Dances: Hexentanz, Seraphic Song, Pastorale

Historic Introduction
Dances: Affectos Humanos, Angst, Liebe

Historic Introduction
Dance: Excerpt from Homage to Mahler

Historic Introduction with photos by Tom Caravaglia
Dance: Excerpt from Tribe,

Historic Introduction
Dance: Excerpt from Figura

Institutional Support
University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
College of Arts and Humanities
Department of Theatre and Dance
Mary Wigman Gesellschaft
The Mary Wigman Society
Deutsches Tanzarchiv Köln
The German Dance Archive Cologne
Tanzarchiv Leipzig
The Leipzig Dance Archive, Germany
Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance
Nikolais/Louis Archives
Ohio University: The Alwin Nikoals and Murray Louis Dance Collection
Teatterikorkeakoulu
The Theater Academy of Finland
Ludwig Maximilians Universität
Munich University
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
University of Washington Dance Department

DISCOUNT PACKAGE
2 DVD Set – Pioneers of Modern Dance

Reviews

The two most recent releases – “Sensuality and Nationalism in Romantic Ballet” and “German Lineage in Modern Dance”… – are captivating educational documentaries that combine historical data with practical examples. Danceadvantage.net

This format allows students to see the choreographer’s relationships and lineage in dance history…This film is perfect for classroom study…a complete lesson in dance history and analysis. Dance Teacher June 2012

These essays work well individually and as part of her larger argument about one of the main tracks of modern dance…. Fisher is an appealing performer… highlighting some seldom seen aspects of modern dance. Ballet Review Spring 2012

This video, with reconstructions performed by dancer/scholar Betsy Fisher, is a wonderful tool for teaching the history of Modern Dance. The vintage photos give an idea of the intensity of the time. The narration intrigues us…’The space feels thick with tension, like a cat silently waiting to attack its prey’. We can see hints of that quality with Fisher’s rendition…… Dance Magazine January 2013

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