Holm’s first choreographic works were in the realm of modern dance, and reflected her training with the German expressionist pioneer Mary Wigman, with whom she had studied and worked with since the early 1920s.

Trend (1937), Holm’s best-known modern dance work, received the New York Times’ award for being the best dance composition of the year. Metropolitan Daily, Holm’s satiric look at newspapers, was the first modern dance work to be performed on television in 1938, and Dance of Work and Play (1938), Tragic Exodus (1939), and They Too Are Exiles (1939) soon followed.

Valerie Bettis and Harriet Roeder Perform Dance Sonata

Valerie Bettis and Harriet Roeder, early Holm company members, perform Dance Sonata, circa 1937

These works solidified Holm’s reputation as one of the most innovative modern dance choreographers of the era.

Louise Kloepper and Hanya Holm Perform Metropolitan Daily

Louise Kloepper (an early Holm company member) and Hanya Holm perform Metropolitan Daily, circa 1937