The direct relationship in the artistic practices and methodologies of Trisha Brown and Steve Paxton has played a role in facilitating new ways of appreciating and developing movement. Trisha Brown is considered one of the most important choreographers of the 1960s as her work and practice moved away from the movement historically considered “appropriate” for choreography. This ideology references the modern era of choreographers, moving away from the aesthetics of Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham who worked with codified techniques, virtuosity and expressionism, while Brown saw dance as of greater importance to the physical and mental process of the performer. Born in Aberdeen, Washington and studying dance at Mills College in California, Brown attended improvisation workshops with Anna Halprin, discovering the concept of task-oriented work. This knowledge would become central to his subsequent experiments and work. He then moved his life to New York to study composition with Robert Dunn and deepen his knowledge of movement and choreography. The physical research undertaken in these classes became publicly presented programs, ultimately leading to the evolution of Judson Dance Theatre. In the late 1960s, Brown carried out experiments to play with the dynamics and stability of gravity, using props such as ropes and harnesses to take dancers beyond their physical limits. These experiments became a working method for the work he created throughout his career and with his company that he founded in the 1970s. During his time at Judson, Brown met and worked with fellow founder Steve Paxton. During their time and experience at Judson, the two developed many ideas that were very influential in t...... middle of paper ......light: Trisha Brown Dance Company Farewell Tour. " Star Tribune, updated March 8, 2014. http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/248915431.html (accessed May 16, 2014) Parker, Sandra, "The Performance of Disappearance." MChor., University of Melbourne, Victorian College of the Arts, 1995. Ross, Janice. "Judson Dance Theatre: Performative Traces." contemporaries of American modern dance. Academic Internet Video. Edited by Fredericka Hunter, Ian Glennie and Roberto Guerra , 2004. Turner, Robert. “The Inner Techniques of Steve Paxton: Contact Improvisation and Political Power.”. 3 (2010): 123