Enlarge image
Modern dance beginning, probably around 1910
Photo: Haeckel Archive / ullstein bild / picture alliance
From the very beginning, it was seen as an alternative to standardized ballet;
for many years it has established itself as its own form of expression.
Now Germany's modern dance has been declared an intangible cultural heritage of mankind.
The United Nations cultural organization Unesco included the dance in its representative list in the Moroccan capital Rabat on Wednesday.
This includes various styles that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century.
According to the application for the list, modern dance creates a sense of community, strengthens human bonds and is locally rooted.
It is a source of social cohesion and promotes integration and inclusion, especially of disadvantaged groups such as people with disabilities and older adults.
This week in Rabat, Unesco will decide which customs, forms of expression and skills will be included in the list of intangible cultural heritage.
In addition to modern dance, the French baguette and traditional Chinese tea processing were also included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of mankind.
isb/dpa
