José Limón
José Limón was one of the most prominent American choreographers in modern dance. His powerful choreography often focused on human drama, incorporating themes from literature, history or religion. Throughout his career, Limón worked to change the image of the male in dance and bring it to a new stature and recognition.
Read the announcement about the works José Limón joining the MTI catalog.
Born in 1908 in Culiacan, Mexico, Limón moved to the United States with his family when he was seven years old. He became interested in dance at the age of twenty, after moving to New York City to study painting. He began his studies with pioneer modern dancers Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, and was soon invited to join their company.
In 1946 he founded his own company. Limón is best known for his masterpiece, The Moor's Pavane, based on Shakespeare's Othello. He choreographed over seventy-four other works, including The Traitor, The Exiles, There is a Time, Chaconne, Emperor Jones, Carlota, Dances for Isadora, and The Unsung.
José Limón died on December 2, 1972. Today, the José Limón Dance Foundation continues his work through two entities: the Limón Dance Company, an international touring repertory company, and the Limón Institute, an educational and archival resource organization.
The list of ballets licensed by MTI for professional companies include:
- Chaconne
- A Choreographic Offering
- Concerto Grosso
- Dances for Isadora
- Danzas Mexicanas
- The Emperor Jones
- The Exiles
- La Malinche
- Mazurkas
- Missa Brevis
- The Moor's Pavane
- Orfeo
- Psalm
- Scherzo
- There is a Time
- The Traitor
- The Unsung
- The Waldstein Sonata
- The Winged
More information about José Limón and licensing inquiries for universities and educational institutions can be found here.