Remembering Choreographer Lester Horton

Sep 9, 2024

Lecture Notes: Tribute to Choreographer Lester Horton

Introduction

  • Lester Horton: A notable choreographer who passed away in 1953 in Los Angeles.
  • Legacy: His unique dance work and teachings, along with the dedication of his students, have preserved his influence in modern dance.
  • Significant Students: Many of Horton's students became prominent figures in the dance world.

Brief History

  • Origin: Horton hailed from Indiana and went to California in 1928.
  • Initial Project: Directed a group of American Indians in a festival.
  • Establishment: Formed a dance group in California, proving significant dance work could be achieved outside of New York.

Camera Three Tribute

  • Focus: A tribute to Lester Horton featuring some of his renowned dancers:
    • Carmen de Lavallade
    • Alvin Ailey
    • James Truitt

Dance Works and Performances

Sorong Paramaribo

  • Performer: Carmen de Lavallade
  • Influence: Blends Javanese and African movements.

Dedications in Our Time

  • Concept: Honored individuals and themes significant to Horton.
    • Tributes Include:
      • Spanish poet García Lorca
      • American writer Carson McCullers
      • Dance pioneers: Mary Wigman, Martha Graham, Ruth St. Dennis
      • The event of Hiroshima

Orozco

  • Dedication: To Mexican painter and muralist Jose Clemente Orozco.
  • Performers: Lavallade and Alvin Ailey
  • Music Composer: Kenneth Klaus

The Beloved

  • Theme: Explores themes of fanaticism, bigotry, and violence.
  • Performers: James Truitt and Lavallade
  • Music Composer: Judith Hamilton
  • Pianist: Lucy Brown

Legacy and Preservation

  • Challenge in Dance: Dance movements are difficult to record, often leading to the fading of choreographers' works.
  • James Truitt’s Fellowship: Received a John Hay Whitney Foundation Fellowship in 1959 to study labanotation in New York, to document Horton's techniques and choreography.
  • Impact of Horton’s Company and School: Their strong community and devotion suggest that Horton's dances will have a lasting impact.

Conclusion

  • Final Performance: A segment from the Liberian Suite, inspired by Horton's admiration for Duke Ellington.
  • Key Takeaway: Lester Horton's innovative work and the dedication of his followers continue to influence modern dance, ensuring the longevity of his contributions to the art form.