Classical Ballet to Modern Dance: The Cultural Impact on the World of Dance in the American 1920s and 1930s

In post-World War I America, there was a cultural shift which allowed for increased personal expression in the performing arts. Modern dance was created as a uniquely American dance form, partly as a response to the restrictive and elite art of ballet. An examination of these dance forms and ‘dance culture’ can provide insight into the cultural dynamics of the broader American culture during its inter-war years.