The Dance Works of Doris Humphrey, Part II: Ritmo Jondo and Day on Earth

In 1928, Doris Humphrey (1895-1958) broke away from the Denishawn company to pursue her own vision of modern dance ("a movement without a motivation is unthinkable"), founding a school and a performance group, and dancing until arthritis attenuated her career, at which time she passed the torch to her protegé José Limon, who preserved many of her works. Here the Limon company presents two pieces: "Ritmo Jondo," based on the music of Spanish gypsies, and "Day on Earth," a theatrical drama. Performed, without commentary, this straightforward production offers no accommodation for the home viewer. In fact, with the harsh theatrical lighting and grainy quality of the tape, it's a little like sitting in the third tier without your glasses. But there are rewards for the serious student: Doris Humphrey was a major figure in modern dance choreography and these works reveal her dedication to movement initiated from the inside out. Recommended for larger dance collections; for others, strictly optional. Also available at the same price: The Dance Works of Doris Humphrey--Part I: With My Red Fires and New Dance. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)