The Symbolic Meaning Of Donald Jooss The Green Table

In “The Green Table,” Jooss’s movements create narrative and symbolic meaning by incorporating the classic ballet technique with the dramatic expression of modern dance. According to Au, Jooss’s choreography blended academic ballet technique (omitting the use of pointes and virtuosic steps) with the freer, more expressive movement of Ausdruckstanz (100). More specifically, Jooss used elements of classical ballet, such as turn-out, demi-pointe, and extensions but eliminated pointe work or displays of virtuosity. For example, the use of traditional ballet can be seen in the dance of the soldiers with their light and bound movements, particularly the one carrying the white flag. On the other hand, he incorporated Isadora Duncan’s ideas of “ordinary