José Limón Overview

José Limón was a very important figure in the development in modern dance.  In 1928 he moved to NYC after studying as an art major for a year at UCLA.  New York was where he saw his first dance performance which "simply and irrevocably changed my life."  

By 1946, he had studied and performed for 10 years with Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, and decided to found his own company.  Limon appointed Humphrey Artistic Director, and she choreographed many pieces for the Limon Dance Company during this time.  It was also under her direction that Limon created his famous, The Moor's Pavane (1949).  His works were lauded by audiences and many of his dances are considered modern dance classics (There is a Time, Missa Brevis, etc).

Limon choreographed at least one new piece each year until his death.  He was the director of Lincoln Center's American Dance Theatre from 1964-65, and received two Dance Magazine Awards, the Capezio Award and honorary doctorates from four universities.  He is also in the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs (1997), and his autobiographical writings (An Unfinished Memoir) have been edited by Lynn Garafola and were published in 1999.