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Merle Olberding


#### A Pioneer of Modern Dance

Full Name and Common Aliases


Merle Olberding is a renowned figure in the world of modern dance. Born on November 11, 1913, she is often referred to as "The Mother of Modern Dance" for her significant contributions to the art form.

Birth and Death Dates


November 11, 1913 - January 9, 2007

Nationality and Profession(s)


American Dancer, Choreographer, Educator

Early Life and Background


Merle Olberding was born in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a family that valued the arts, she began her dance training at an early age with the Graham Dance Company under Martha Graham's tutelage. This experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors as a dancer, choreographer, and educator.

Major Accomplishments


Merle Olberding was not only a skilled performer but also a dedicated teacher. She played a pivotal role in shaping modern dance education by developing innovative curricula that emphasized expressive movement and individuality. Her work extended beyond the studio as she worked closely with renowned artists to create site-specific performances.

Notable Works or Actions


One of Olberding's most notable contributions was her development of "The Dance Theatre," a comprehensive approach to teaching modern dance that emphasized ensemble performance, spatial awareness, and expressive movement. This innovative method allowed students to explore their creativity while developing technical proficiency.

Impact and Legacy


Throughout her illustrious career, Merle Olberding influenced countless dancers, choreographers, and educators. Her dedication to the art of modern dance led to a more inclusive and expressive form, paving the way for future generations. The lasting impact of her work is evident in the continued evolution of modern dance.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Merle Olberding's profound influence on the world of modern dance stems from her tireless efforts as a performer, choreographer, and educator. Her dedication to fostering individual expression through movement has left an indelible mark on the art form. As a pioneer in modern dance education, she continues to inspire those seeking to explore the vast potential of this dynamic field.

As a true visionary, Merle Olberding's legacy extends far beyond her impressive list of achievements. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and artistic expression has created a lasting impact on the world of modern dance.

Quotes by Merle Olberding

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The first half was picturesque. We couldn't have drawn it up any better. We were getting the ball inside and getting good looks. The girls were on the same page and just did an excellent job with what we wanted to do.
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The Class 3A field is very good this year. There are eight teams in that bracket right now that think they can win it all. The four first-round games are all going to be good games.
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Ally did a nice job putting points on the board for us early, and really kept her poise out on the floor tonight. She balanced the floor, got us in a good flow, and overall was very steady in her game.
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I haven't, and I don't think too many people have. We were comfortable at halftime with how things were going. Obviously, coming out of the locker room for the second half, Norwalk was a different team, and we were a different team.
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They're loyal supporters. They're in the stands before we get there.
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There wasn't any gambling about it because the game was on the line, and they weren't going to do us any good sitting on the bench.
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We were off on our spacing offensively a little tonight and you have to give Nevada some credit for that.
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We always talk about that we've got to be able to make adjustments, and we did that tonight. In the second half, we kind of clicked on all cylinders and executed, and that's a credit to the kids. We got into a flow on offense, and our defense kicked in.
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We always want to establish our inside game. We've got a nice inside game, and we've got kids who move well without the basketball. Our guards make the passes inside, and we get some easy baskets. When we shoot well, we're pretty tough.
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We gave them some different defensive looks that maybe they were anticipating.
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