Don Martin (dancer)
Don Martin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Donald R. Martin June 20, 1931 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | July 4, 2021 (aged 90) |
| Occupations | Dancer, choreographer, dance teacher |
| Known for | Horton technique |
Donald R. Martin (June 20, 1931 – July 4, 2021), known professionally as Don Martin, was an American dancer, choreographer, and teacher associated with Horton technique, a modern dance technique developed by Lester Horton.[1] He performed with Lester Horton Dance Theater and was later an original member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.[2]
Early life
Martin was born in Houston and moved to Los Angeles as a child. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School with Alvin Ailey and Carmen de Lavallade.[2]
Career
In the 1950s, Martin performed with Lester Horton Dance Theater and became an original member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.[2] After Horton's death in 1953, Martin worked with Frank Eng to keep the Dance Theater and its school operating until the organization closed in 1960.[2]
The Washington Post described Martin in 1996 as a Horton expert brought to American University's Department of Performing Arts in collaboration with the Library of Congress to teach Horton technique and reconstruct Horton works.[3]
Martin was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lester Horton Dance Awards in 2003.[4] His work Odes and Homages was performed at the event.[5]
A 2005 Los Angeles Times review noted Martin's reconstructions of Horton's Dedication to Jose Clemente Orozco and Sarong Paramaribo, as well as Martin's own work Odes and Homages.[6]
Teaching and Horton technique
Dance Magazine identified Martin as a Horton technique teacher at the Los Angeles County School for the Arts and listed Martin and Alvin Ailey among the dancers Horton worked with while developing the technique.[7] Martin later taught Horton technique at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where he taught until he was 85.[2] The LACHSA Foundation described Martin as a longtime faculty member and established the Don Martin Legacy Scholarship Fund in his memory.[8]
Death
Martin died on July 4, 2021, at his home in West Hollywood, California. He was 90.[2]
References
- ↑ "Donald Martin Obituary". Legacy.com. 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Easter, Makeda (July 14, 2021). "Don Martin, dance teacher and keeper of Lester Horton's legacy, dies at 90". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
- ↑ Sommers, Pamela (December 6, 1996). "Sweet 'Mango'". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
- ↑ Segal, Lewis (March 16, 2003). "Changes afoot for dance awards". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
- ↑ Segal, Lewis (April 15, 2003). "Their best foot forward". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
- ↑ Segal, Lewis (May 3, 2005). "Artful, eclectic tribute". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
- ↑ Straus, Rachel (January 4, 2010). "Technique: The Hows of Horton". Dance Magazine. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
- ↑ "LACHSA Dance Legend Don Martin". LACHSA Foundation. Retrieved June 29, 2026.