Kurt Jooss

Kurt Jooss (1901-1979), German choreographer, dancer, and teacher, the first respected choreographer to synthesize classical and modern dance. Jooss sought to create modern dance by reforming the excesses of classical ballet technique without abandoning ballet's innate discipline and logic. Born in Wasseralfingen, he studied with the German choreographer and dance notator Rudolf von Laban. After a period as Laban's assistant and soloist, he helped found the Neue Tanzbühne (New Dance Stage) in 1924 in Münster. In Essen he founded the Folkwang School in 1927; established a company, the Folkwang Tanzbühne (later the Ballets Jooss) in 1928; and became ballet master of the Essen opera house in 1930. In 1932 his group won first place at an international competition in Paris with his most famous work, The Green Table (1932), a portrayal of the horrors of war and the fatuous discussions of diplomats. Jooss moved to England in 1933 to escape Nazi persecution, then returned to Essen in 1949 to reestablish his school. After he retired in 1968 he continued to supervise revivals of his ballets. Among his works are Seven Heroes (1933), Juventud (Youth, 1948), Colombinade (1951), and in the 1960s, ballets for several baroque operas.