Dunham gave modern dance a technique that merged movements from African-Caribbean and African-American social dances with techniques of modern dance and ballet. In theatrical, narrative choreography she fused all sorts of dance styles. These Africanised principles of movement continue to define the style, and breadth, of American concert dance – a flexible torso and spine, swivelling pelvis, odd isolations of arms and legs, the polyrhythmic and syncopated playfulness of the body. Ironically, most young dancers do not know about her contributions. Yet when stylish African-American social dances (such as hip-hop) are performed on the stage, or when dancers noddle about in the “released” style of today’s post-modernist dance, they are following Dunham’s ideas from 60 years before. Full article.