Alwin Nikolais

Scholarly Journal: The Returns of Alwin Nikolais: Bodies, Boundaries, and the Dance Canon Alwin Nikolais made his career as a choreographer, composer, and designer.  Through his company, he found his partner of 43 years, Murray Louis.  Nikolais's exceptional skills and innovative techniques allowed him to study with influential dancers, such as Martha Graham, musician Louis Horst, critic John Martin, and most importantly Hanya Holm, who he assisted and later gave him the position of director of the Henry Street Settlement Playhouse.  The first performances that put him into the spotlight were Masks-Props-Mobiles (1955) and Kaleidoscope (1956).  Nikolais continued on with his success through technological advances and lighting innovations.  His plays depicted the abstract movement and received every major dance award in the United States.  The journal contains ten essays that explore the ideas and innovations of Alwin Nikolais. Images:  ht...