Dance Techniques 2010

Alan Danielson — Humphrey/Limón Tradition
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Individual Approach
Alan Danielson sees a great scope for utilizing the
Humphrey / Limón Technique. Choreographers like Mark
Morris, Jennifer Muller, and Doug Varone use Limón’s
material as a basis for their training, as Limón’s principles
serve as a jumping–off point for exploring and differentiating
their own potential and styles—Mark Morris, for
example, has been inspired by many techniques of which
the Humphrey / Limón technique is only one. Danielson
says that Limón classes in New York are an ideal preparation
for dancers before they begin rehearsing. In a Limón
class, dancers train and maximize their movement potential—articulation
and extension of the body—and thereby
extend the range of movement they will later command
on stage.
A systematic exploration of the body’s articulation is at
the forefront of Danielson’s teaching. He maintains that he
and his colleagues are interested primarily in movement,
as it makes communication on stage—as in life—possible.
Movement talks. Movement can be read. Drama is inherent
in every moment, whether intended or not.
Relation to Other Dance and
Movement Techniques
When Danielson does reference other techniques or
somatic principles in his teaching—like Contact Improvisation,
the Feldenkrais Method, or Tai Chi—these references
merely help illustrate a desired movement quality
and in no way imply that the dancer must actually practice
the technique mentioned.