Josi Limsn: An Unfinished Memoir

Limon died in 1972 at age 64, leaving behind a legacy of work that survives through the dance company that bears his name. Drawing from both literature and his Mexican background, Limon created powerful dances that redefined men's roles: heroic and masculine characters took the place of classical ballet's effete princes. Limon began writing his memoir late in life when he was seriously ill, and he died before completing it. As a result, his recollections end at 1942, just as Limon, in his mid-30s, was embarking on the most fruitful artistic period of his life. Writing in a formal style, Limon begins with his childhood in Mexico, his family's subsequent move to California and his relocation to New York City at age 20. He discusses the work of modern dance pioneers such as Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman and includes details about when and where premieres took place, who danced the roles, what the costumes looked like and how the audience responded to the works. Dance aficionados will also enjoy Limon's stories of Martha Graham as well as his critiques of several forgotten Broadway shows in which he performed. There are significant gaps in his writing: for example, he only hints at his relationship with his wife, Pauline Lawrence. However, comments by Jowitt, Owen and Garafola round out the work, adding to this excerpt of a great artist's life. 30 photos. (Feb.)