Blog 4: Horton's Contributions

Lester Horton’s contributions to the field of dance are subtle and few, but they do exist.  Mr. Horton was definitely a leader of his time.  He took the time out to study the dance styles and characteristics of many different Native American groups and for that reason he was able to provide the steps to various ethnic dances.  Lester was very open to different cultures and races, as seen in his dedication to learning about some of them individually.  It is because of this that he was able to open up the doors for many performers who, without him, probably wouldn’t have had a big career in dance.  Alvin Ailey is a clear image of this and Horton’s technique and training definitely live down in the roots of the Ailey Company.  It is very apparent in the choreography.  Lester Horton was also a very innovative designer for props, costumes and sets, which was inspiring to other artists around him because he was so good at so many different crafts.  His codified technique is probably one of, if not his greatest, achievements.  This technique is a pillar for core strength and support and for finding groundedness and stability in the dancers’ body.  Horton was an avid researcher, which is why many of the things he did are so accurate and useful.  He was really a role model for anyone wishing to make their way into the field of dance.  Lester Horton’s use of authentic movement vocabularies from various ethnic groups speaks to his dedication for the recognition of different races.  He truly did leave an impression on those around him, as well as those who had the opportunity to work with and under him.