My Thoughts

My thoughts about Jose Limon are that he has been an influential part of the timeline of Modern Dance. he has brought about a great technique that incorporated release and freedom. I really enjoy dancing his technique. His life path, starting as an artist, then joining the army, and finally starting his own company is inspiring. I really have enjoyed researching his life and the history of him. 

Powerful and Passionate

BIO


Jose began his artistry as a painter. As the decade turned to the 1940's, Limon's life changed drastically. He was drafted into the army. He still used his talents while in the army by choreographing and working with a composer. This opportunity gave him some inspiration for his future works!

Limon Co.

Jose Limon also gained a lot of inspiration by drawing from his ethnic roots. His pieces have much influence from his heritage and culture.  

Documentary

Dancing with the Devil Folklore

The book Dancing with the Devil, written by Mr. Limón himself, he combines current cultural theory with his personal story and uses anthropology, folklore, popular culture, history, and literary criticism.  

A native of South Texas,  he renders a historical and ethnographic account of  its rich Mexican-American folk culture.  This folk culture story shows how Limón "dances" with the devil, both resisting  and accommodating  the dominant culture of Texas.

Academic Journal

Pioneers

Just like Martha Graham, Jose Limón was a pioneer of modern dance. He called upon his immigrant upbringing for his choreography and inspiration. 

"Limón's approach to dance is based on the technique and philosophy of movement developed by Humphrey, one of the leading pioneers of modern dance expression in America."

There is a Time

The Company

"The José Limón Dance Foundation exists to perpetuate the Limón legacy and its humanistic approach to movement and theater, and to extend the vitality of that vision into the future, through performance, creation, preservation and education"

José Limón Dance Foundation

The José Limón Dance Foundation was founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey. The Company is now led by Carla Maxwell. She worked closely with Limón before becoming Artistic Director in 1978. The Company’s repertory includes classic works and also pieces from commissioned contemporary artists.

This is a Review in the NY Times of a José Limón piece and dancers.

A member of the company wrote this book after working with José Limón for seven years. Titled José Limón; An Unfinished Memoir, the journal linked below explains the artist and his company throughout the years. 

Jose Limon; An Unfinished Memoir

José Limón

Born in Mexico, José Limón was the eldest of twelve children. In 1915, his family moved to Los Angeles, California. Limón attended UCLA as an art major. He moved to New York City in 1928 to study at the New York School of Design. Limón discovered his passion for dance in 1929 after attending one of Harold Kreutzberg and Yvonne Gerogi's performances.

Limón then chose to enroll in the Humphrey-Weidman school. Within just a few years, he was performing on Broadway. Within the decade, Limón would perform on  Balanchine's choreography on Broadway.

At the Bennington Festival at Mill College in 1939, Limón created his first major choreographic work, titled Danzas Mexicanas. More of Limón's works to come....

In 1943, Limón's made his final appearance on Broadway. he then focused on creating dances about American and folk themes at the Studio Theatre. He was drafted into the Army in April, 1943. While servinf the country, he collaborated with composers Frank Loesser and Alex North, and choreographed pieces for the US Army Special Services. 

To Be Continued...

A pioneer in the field of modern dance, Limón is a revered artist, dancer and choreographer!