Since my first ballet class at age five, I have been mesmerized by the graceful elegance of professional dancers. The pure talent and athleticism are often hidden behind a cloak of artful choreography. They make it look so easy! All forms of dance movement, from ballet to hip-hop, are outlets of emotionally-charged expression on many levels. The dancer, choreographer/creator and music connect deeply with the audience to evoke a response, convey a story, concept or share a belief. Much like viewing a painting, one must see the art form from many different angles to truly understand its message and significance.
Several years ago, I was introduced to the Limón Dance Company at a college workshop and public performance. The dance arrangements left a lasting impression. I may not remember every move or the music scores, but I remember how it made me feel – introspective and awestruck. The Limón Dance Company is rooted in the vision of a passionate legendary dancer, José Limón, who saw movement from a unique perspective.
The Limón technique, emphasizes the natural rhythms of fall and recovery, a conscious use of breath, and the interplay between weight and weightlessness.
This online promo clip from November 2024, offers a special glimpse of the dance company in action, prepping to perform several of Limón’s celebrated works.
José Limón worked to expand the power of dance to elevate a message or story. His powerful choreography often focused on human drama, incorporating themes from literature, history or religion. Limón is revered as one of the most prominent American choreographers in Modern Dance. The dance company and foundation continue his enduring dance legacy, an art form responsible for the creation, growth and support of Modern Dance in the United States and beyond.
Fast Facts:
2003: Limón was named one of America’s “Irreplaceable Dance Treasures” by the Dance Heritage Coalition. 2012: Limón received recognition on a U.S. postage stamp honoring his contribution to the Art of Dance
Born in 1908 in Mexico, Limón moved to the United States with his family when he was just a child. In the late 1920’s, Limón moved to New York City, where he first became interested in dance. His new found passion led him to pioneers of modern dance, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, who mentored him and inspired him to pursue a professional dance career. In 1946, the same year he attained American citizenship, Limón formed the Limón Dance Company. Doris Humphrey’s legacy was an integral part of his vision. Humphrey’s unique dance style and philosophy was further developed and refined by Limón. The dance technique continued to evolve until his death in 1972.
“She wanted dance to be an art that could stand on its own without the need of music or emotion and concentrated on the formal elements of movement such as design, rhythm, and dynamics.” –
Doris Humphrey – Modern Dance Pioneer
Insight into Humphrey’s life and career is shared in this short Village of Oak Park YouTube Video.
Limón saw the body as an instrument of expression and dance as a way to speak of the indignities of mankind. His harsh childhood impacted his life.The past was never forgotten and influenced his creative thought process, emotional well-being and dance.
” All choreography is autobiographical, whether one intends it or not”
José Limón
Oppression, suffering and everyday life’s struggles continued to be regular themes in many of his works.
” There is a dance for every single human experience” -José Limón
José Limón
Not to be Missed: the documentary film, Limón: A Life Beyond Words, shares his amazing story and transformative journey from a small Mexican village to the world stage. (Available to view via Facebook.)
Denver, CO: Newman Center; February 18, 2025, 7:30pm
The Limón Dance Company presents Migrant Mother, a choreography by Raúl Tamez, the first created by a Mexican choreographer since José Limón, at the Newman Center in Denver. This powerful and evocative piece explores themes of symbolic domination, colonization, and creolization, paying homage to the majesty of pre-Hispanic heritage in Mesoamerica. An extraordinary celebration of the resilience and beauty of indigenous cultures.
Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Performing Arts; April 19, 2025, 7:30 PM
The Limón Dance Company returns to Gainesville performing There is a Time, Limón’s 1956 masterwork drawing from Ecclesiastes which evokes the breadth of human experience and a sense of time circling. Doris Humphrey’s Two Ecstatic Themes, a solo in two parts, and a new work commission by Kayla Farrish are also included in the program.
New York, NY: 92nd Street Y; May 21 & 22, 2025, 7:00 PM
The program will take the audience through the landmark dance makers of the 20th Century, retelling the trailblazing story of Humphrey and Limón leading to the contemporary voice of Aszure Barton. And, will include the world premiere of J O I N by Aszure Barton and Grammy-nominated composer Ambrose Akinmusire.
For more information on the Dance Company, Institute, Foundation and Tour dates, visit the Limón official website.
Photos courtesy of Limón Dance Company Management office.
