Definition
Anna Sokolow (June 20 1913 – January 12 2000) was an American modern‑dance choreographer and educator, noted for her socially engaged works and contributions to the development of American contemporary dance.
Overview
Born in New York City to Russian‑immigrant parents, Sokolow began studying dance at an early age. She trained with Martha Graham and at the Cornish School in Seattle, later joining Graham’s company where she performed and began choreographing. In 1943 she founded the Anna Sokolow Dance Theater, through which she created a body of work characterized by expressive movement and political themes. Significant pieces include Room of Death (1938), Kiss (1949), The Exiles (1970), and Dances of the Holocaust (1970).
Throughout her career Sokolow taught at institutions such as the Juilliard School, the Bennington College Summer Dance Program, and the London School of Contemporary Dance. She received numerous honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship (1952) and a National Endowment for the Arts Dance Grant (1975). Sokolow’s influence extended internationally; she choreographed for ballet companies in Europe and Japan and collaborated with composers, visual artists, and theater practitioners. She died in New York City in 2000.
Etymology/Origin
- Anna: A given name derived from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning “grace” or “favor”.
- Sokolow: A Slavic surname (variant of Sokolov) meaning “falcon”, historically indicating a family occupation or characteristic associated with the bird.
Characteristics
- Modern‑dance vocabulary: Utilized the expressive, grounded movement style pioneered by Martha Graham, emphasizing tension, release, and dramatic gesture.
- Social and political content: Choreographed works that addressed labor struggles, World War II, the Holocaust, and civil‑rights issues, often integrating narrative elements.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Frequently worked with composers (e.g., Aaron Copland), visual artists, and theater directors to create multimedia performances.
- Pedagogical emphasis: As an educator, emphasized personal expression, social awareness, and technical precision in training dancers.
Related Topics
- Modern dance in the United States
- Martha Graham and the Graham technique
- Socially engaged performance art
- American choreographers of the 20th century (e.g., Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham)
- Dance education institutions (Juilliard School, Bennington College)