Isadora Duncan is widely regarded as the founder of modern dance. She rejected the traditional ballet techniques and emphasized natural movement and emotional expression.

Martha Graham founded the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1926. The company is known for its innovative and expressive choreography, which often explores themes of mythology, psychology, and social issues.

Suite for Five is one of Merce Cunningham's most famous and influential dance pieces. It was created in 1958 and is known for its use of chance procedures and its innovative use of space.

Steve Paxton is a dancer and choreographer who is known for his work in the field of contact improvisation. Contact improvisation is a form of dance that emphasizes physical contact and improvisation.

Alvin Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. The company is known for its powerful and expressive performances, which often draw on African-American cultural traditions.

In the Middle Somewhat Elevated is one of William Forsythe's most famous and influential dance pieces. It was created in 1987 and is known for its complex choreography and its use of technology.

Kazuo Ohno is a dancer and choreographer who is known for his work in the field of butoh. Butoh is a form of dance that emphasizes slow, deliberate movements and the exploration of the body's inner landscape.

Tatsumi Hijikata founded Sankai Juku in 1975. The company is known for its unique style of butoh, which often incorporates elements of theater and ritual.

Mai Juku is one of Min Tanaka's most famous and influential dance pieces. It was created in 1981 and is known for its use of repetitive movements and its exploration of the relationship between the individual and the group.

Akram Khan is a dancer and choreographer who is known for his work in the field of contemporary dance. His work often explores themes of identity, culture, and spirituality.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui founded Eastman in 2000. The company is known for its innovative and eclectic style of contemporary dance, which often incorporates elements of hip hop, martial arts, and traditional Moroccan dance.

Political Mother is one of Hofesh Shechter's most famous and influential dance pieces. It was created in 2008 and is known for its powerful and energetic choreography, which explores themes of political oppression and social unrest.

Trisha Brown is a dancer and choreographer who is known for her work in the field of new media dance. Her work often incorporates elements of technology, video, and installation art.

Merce Cunningham founded the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in 1953. The company is known for its innovative and experimental choreography, which often incorporates elements of chance procedures and non-traditional movement.

In the Middle Somewhat Elevated is one of William Forsythe's most famous and influential dance pieces. It was created in 1987 and is known for its complex choreography and its use of technology.