Biographical/historical: Charles Weidman (1901 – 1975) was an American choreographer, modern dancer and teacher and is known as a pioneer of modern dance in America. He wanted to create a uniquely American style of movement, based on gravity. He began his career as a dancer for the Denishawn Company, then started the Humphrey-Weidman Company with Doris Humphrey in 1927. After Humphrey’s retirement from performing in 1945, Weidman continued to create dances, perform, and teach. He established a school and company of his own – The Charles Weidman School of Modern Dance and the Charles Weidman Theatre Dance Company. Among Weidman's students were Jose Limon, Jack Cole, Gene Kelly, Sybil Shearer, Eleanor King, Bob Fosse, Louis Falco and Alvin Ailey.