Lester Horton

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Lester Horton (January 23, 1906 – 1953) was an American dancer, choreographer, and teacher.

Choosing to work in California (three thousand miles away from the center of modern dance - New York City), Horton developed his own approach that incorporated diverse elements including Native American dances and modern Jazz. Horton's dance technique (Lester Horton Technique) emphasises a whole body approach including flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness to allow freedom of expression. Horton trained a number of the mid-twentieth century's best-known modern dancers, including Alvin Ailey, Carmen de Lavallade, and Bella Lewitzky, as well as dance teacher James Truitte, Broadway dancer James Mitchell, and the gay activist Harry Hay.

In order to finance his school and various dance companies, Horton choreographed a number of early Hollywood musicals, including Arthur Lubin's The Phantom of the Opera (1943). Horton's dancers also frequently worked at clubs, including the Folies Bergère in New York and Earl Carroll's Theater-Restaurant in Los Angeles. A brief attempt at founding a company on the East Coast collapsed for lack of funding. After Horton's death, his last company continued for several years under the direction of Frank Eng.

Horton's best-known works, which he called "choreodramas," include Salome, The Beloved, and Tierra Y Libertad.