German Expressionist Dance

German Expressionist Dance, emerging in the early 20th century, was an innovative movement that emphasized emotional intensity and personal expression through movement. It rejected traditional ballet's formal structure, favoring raw, spontaneous, and often experimental choreography to explore inner feelings and human psychological states. Influenced by modernist art and psychological theories, dancers used exaggerated gestures and dynamic body language to communicate complex emotions, often reflecting societal upheavals of the time. This style sought to evoke visceral responses from audiences, emphasizing individual authenticity and emotional truth over classical technique.