The Women Who Changed American Modern Dancing

Since late 1920's, three women had changed the space of American dance: Helen Tamiris, Martha Graham, and Doris Humphrey.

Tamiris rise up as a renounced ballet dancer. She was a political mutineer, as well. As a child, Helen studied "Interpretative Dancing" with Irene Lewisohn and Blanche Talmud, and at fifteen she joined the Metropolitan Opera Ballet.

Helen was a candid young woman with a obstinate streak. Her openness prevented her higher education. After she made a street-corner speech opposing America's entry into World War I, her shocked principal told her that, as punishment, her diploma would be withheld from her. Her stubbornness was reflected in her dissatisfaction with both ballet and Interpretative Dancing.