Portrait of Doris Humphrey

Doris Humphrey was one of the great figures in the development of modern dance known as a performer, teacher, choreographer and theoretician. In 1917 she went to Los Angeles to study with Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn. She joined the Denishawn Company in 1918 and became the principle dancer, teacher and co-choreographer with St. Denis until 1927. Humphrey's choreography set a standard and was an inspiration to the generations of modern dance choreographers that followed. For Denishawn in 1920, she choreographed the Hoop Dance, which she later taught Sally Rand, who changed the hoops to feathers. She then formed her own company with Charles Weidman, which performed for 16 years. In 1932, she and Weidman choreographed the first "modern dance" in a Broadway show. She was instrumental in developing the talent of Jose Limon, and several of her works are in his company's repertoire today. Humphrey taught at Bennington College, Connecticut College, and was one of the founding members of the dance department in 1951 at the Julliard School of Music. In 1954 she was a recipient of the Capezio Dance Award. Doris Humphrey, along with Martha Graham and Charles Weidman, are considered the true founders of American Modern Dance.

This work is registered with the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, New York, under identification number A110.046.