Emi Hatano - Jitsuo Hoashi : Embodying the Infinite - Imperatives of Training for Modern Dance

I first published a dance theory book in 1996: Expression and Possibility - Toward a Unified Theory of Modern Dance. In response, many people asked about how to train a body to dance, and it caused me to reflect on the ideas and methods I have experienced and developed over my career. This book is the result, an effort of nearly five years. It is presented in three parts: German physical training methods of the 1940s; Martha Graham's methods from the 1950s; and finally my own "image training" method. These are the core of my creative activities, and describe my own history. In each part, I have tried to discuss issues I have faced, and the purpose of each method.

A single definition for a "body for dancing" does not exist, depending as it does on each person's gifts, body, and emotions, as well as the dancer's willingness and talent to learn techniques of body expression. It is only through continued learning and practice that a dancer can hope that his or her body and his or her ideas will someday coverge. That junction is the moment when a creative modern dancer is born!