- published: 17 May 2007
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Alwin Nikolais (November 25, 1910 in Southington, Connecticut – May 8, 1993) was an American choreographer.
Nikolais studied piano at an early age and began his performing career as an organist accompanying silent films. As a young artist, he gained skills in scenic design, acting, puppetry and music composition. It was after attending a performance by the German dancer Mary Wigman that he was inspired to study dance. He received his early dance training at Bennington College from the great figures of the modern dance world: Hanya Holm, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Louis Horst, and others.
In 1940, in collaboration with Truda Kaschmann, his first modern dance teacher, Nikolais received a commission to create Eight Column Line, his first ballet. The work was presented at one of the events of Hartford social season that counted Salvador Dalí and Léonide Massine as honorary patrons and was well received.
Tensile Involvement
Alwin Nikolais' Noumenon
Day at Night: Alwin Nikolais
Boulevard (from IMAGO) 1963 Alwin Nikolais Dance Theatre
(Opening) Gallery 1978 Alwin Nikolais Dance Theatre
ALWIN NIKOLAIS ""HONOREE"" - (COMPLETE) 10th KENNEDY CENTER HONORS, 1987 (57)
Alwin Nikolais,Gallery, Mechanical Organ, NOUMENON
CRUCIBLE
ALWIN NIKOLAIS CENTENNIAL
DNB -- Temple (1974) by Alwin Nikolais. Excerpt B