Water Study
Quick Summary
"Water Study" is a 1928 dance choreographed by Doris Humphrey, a pioneer of American modern dance. This piece is notable for its exploration of Humphrey's theory of "fall and recovery," which posits that all movement exists within the arc between balance and imbalance. The dance utilizes only non-musical rhythms, such as natural human breath and pulse, and the sounds of waves, reflecting the title's theme. "Water Study" exemplifies Humphrey's belief that movement itself can create meaning, independent of emotional impulse or musical accompaniment. It is considered one of the first symphonic dances.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
