Jose Limon: An Artist Re-viewed - Essential Modern Dance Essays

In this review of Jose Limon: An Artist Re-viewed the book is recommended for readers seeking a thoughtful, scholarly introduction to one of modern dance's pivotal figures. The volume collects essays by dancers and scholars who knew or studied Limn, providing historical context and interpretive perspectives that make his choreography more accessible. For those curious about dance history or the continuing influence of a choreographer whose work like The Moor's Pavanne still circulates worldwide, this collection is the most concise single-volume starting point.

Key Features

• Authoritative essays: Contributors include scholars and former company members who provide firsthand context about Limn's creative process and career.
• Historical overview: The book traces Limn's development and influence, helping readers understand why his technique remains taught in major colleges and schools.
• Signature work focus: Detailed discussion of The Moor's Pavanne explains how this piece became central to both ballet and modern dance repertoires worldwide.
• Accessible introduction: Written to serve as an entry point, the essays are curated to suit both new readers and dance students exploring choreography.
• Legacy perspective: The collection shows how Limn's company continues to revive his works and inspire new choreography, underlining his ongoing relevance.

Who It's For

This book is ideal for modern dance students, teachers, and performing arts readers who want a focused, scholarly introduction to Jose Limn's work and influence. It is especially useful as a classroom companion where discussions of technique, repertory, and historical significance are required.

Readers looking for a richly illustrated coffee-table biography or a comprehensive catalog raisonne of every choreography should look elsewhere; this volume emphasizes essays and analysis rather than exhaustive visual documentation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers firsthand perspectives from people associated with Limn, enhancing the book's credibility and insight.
• Provides clear explanation of Limn's influence on modern dance technique used in universities and conservatories.
• Highlights The Moor's Pavanne and explains its significance across ballet and modern companies worldwide.

Cons

• The format is essay-driven and may lack extensive photographs or visual analysis that some readers expect in dance books.

Specifications

Title	Jose Limon: An Artist Re-viewed
Series	Choreography and Dance Studies Series
Editor / Brand	June Dunbar
Subject	Jose Limn's life and choreography
Focus	Essays by scholars and dancers associated with Limn
Audience	Students, scholars, and fans of modern dance

Our Verdict

Jose Limon: An Artist Re-viewed is a concise, well-curated collection that succeeds as an introductory scholarly resource on Limn's choreography and legacy. Dance students and performing arts readers will find genuine value in the firsthand essays and the focused discussion of The Moor's Pavanne, making the book a worthwhile purchase for those studying modern dance history and technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover Limn's most famous works?
The essays address key works including The Moor's Pavanne and discuss their place in both ballet and modern repertory.

Is this suitable for classroom use?
Yes, the collection is written to serve as an accessible introduction for students and instructors studying choreography and dance history.

Will I find many photographs and performance stills?
The book emphasizes essays and analysis rather than extensive visual material, so readers seeking a heavily illustrated volume may want a different title.