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!