Modern dancers give a sinister portent about our times. The dancers don't even look at one another. They are just a lot of isolated individuals jiggling in a kind of self - hypnosis and dancing with others only to remind themselves that we are not completely alone in this world.
This quote by Agnes de Mille offers a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary dance and, by extension, modern society. It suggests that modern dancers, rather than engaging in collective expression or connection, are instead absorbed in their individual pursuits, almost as if they are hypnotized into their own worlds. This image reflects a broader cultural trend toward isolation and disconnection, despite the outward appearance of social activity. There's an implied critique here about how modern life, through its emphasis on individualism and self-focus, can lead to a sense of loneliness masked by superficial interactions. The idea that dancers are merely jiggling without meaningful engagement points to a loss of communal spirit and authentic connection, which can be emblematic of current social dynamics where digital communication often replaces face-to-face interaction. The mention of dancers
