1900 – Isadora Duncan begins her sensational career in Europe

Isadora Duncan, (1877-1927) was an American dancer and choreographer.  As a pioneer of ‘free’ dance, she was a huge influence on choreographers and on modern dance generally. Inspired by the natural movement of waves and trees, Duncan rebelled against what she saw as the stereotypical conventions of classical ballet and its unnatural contortions of the body. She danced in flimsy shifts, barelegged and barefoot, which added a sensational element to her reputation. Her performances were largely improvisations, based on her personal responses.