Jerome Robbins.

Question 1

List the Influences of Jerome Robbins.

Answer 1

Isadora Duncan.
Martha Graham.
Ballet.
George Balanchine.
Leonard Bernstein.

Question 2

Explain the Influence of Isadora Duncan on Jerome Robbins.

Answer 2

• Duncan was Robbins first introduction to dance.
• Duncan set the standard for Robbins expressionist style of choreography.

Question 3

Explain the Influence of Martha Graham on Jerome Robbins.

Answer 3

• Robbins studied with a former Graham Company dancer.
• Grahams influence can be seen in the intensity of the movements in WSS’s ‘Cool’.

Question 4

Explain the Influence of Ballet on Jerome Robbins.

Answer 4

Robbins studied ballet with Russian teachers.

Question 5

Explain the Influence of George Balanchine on Jerome Robbins.

Answer 5

• Balanchine recognised Robbins talent early and encouraged his training.
• He asked Robbins to join his Ballet Theatre then later NYC Ballet as Associate Artistic Director in 1948.
• Balanchine gave Robbins the freedom to fail and develop.

Question 6

Explain the Influence of Leonard Bernstein on Jerome Robbins.

Answer 6

– Composer of Fancy Free, On the Town and West Side Story.
- Both Robbins and Bernstein strived for excellence rather than ‘making a hit’.
- They worked very closely on their collaboration.

Question 7

List the Stylistic Features of Jerome Robbins.

Answer 7

Ballet – technique, wide open chest, leg extensions, broad shoulders.
Contemporary / Modern use of floor.
Folk Dances.
Elaborate Set and Costume.
Musicality.
Expansive use of Space.
A range of Dance Styles.
Everyday Movement.
Seamless in Execution.

Question 8

Explain Jerome Robbins’ Contribution to American Jazz Dance.

Answer 8

He followed Agnes de Mille’s lead in making dance of equal importance to drama and music in the development of the storyline.
Bridged classical ballet and musical theatre/jazz - status.
Jerome Robbins’ style of jazz dance combined with classical ballet, contemporary and dances from other cultures.