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Glite Dictionary
Isadora Duncan

Isadora Duncan

2 8.1
An American dancer who helped start modern dance
  • proper noun
  • /ˈɪzəˌdɔrə ˈdʌŋkən/
: Isadora Duncan
  • Many people consider Isadora Duncan to be the mother of modern dance.

Examples

  • Did you know that Isadora Duncan was a pioneer of modern dance?

  • The life of Isadora Duncan inspired many artists and choreographers worldwide.

  • As a child, she idolized Isadora Duncan and dreamed of becoming a dancer herself.

  • The famous dancer Isadora Duncan revolutionized the world of ballet.

  • Many people consider Isadora Duncan to be the mother of modern dance.

  • Did you know that Isadora Duncan was a pioneer of modern dance?

  • The life of Isadora Duncan inspired many artists and choreographers worldwide.

Surface Forms

Isadora Duncan main

Morphology

Isadora + Duncan

This MWE is a proper name referring to a specific historical person, so knowing the constituent names 'Isadora' and 'Duncan' does not allow a learner to infer the meaning 'American dancer and pioneer of modern dance.' Proper names are arbitrary referents rather than compositional phrases, so the specific biographical information is not derivable from the parts and would be unknown without prior exposure.

Etymology

Isadora Duncan danced barefoot in simple, flowing dresses and moved in long, natural lines instead of the strict steps of ballet. Because her fresh, free way of moving changed how people thought about dance, many call her the 'mother of modern dance' and she still inspires dancers today.