2012 First-Class Forever Stamp,Innovative Choreographers: Jose Limon

U.S. #4699

2012 45¢ José Limón

Innovative Choreographers

Issue Date: July 28, 2012

City: Los Angeles, CA

Quantity: 6,250,000

Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products

Printing Method: Offset

Perforations: Die Cut 11

Color: multicolored

When José Limón (1908-1972) went to a modern dance performance for the first time, the experience affected him deeply.  He said, “What I saw simply and irrevocably changed my life.  I saw the dance as a vision of ineffable (indescribable) power.  A man could, with dignity and towering majesty, dance...”

Limón immediately enrolled in dance school and was performing on Broadway the following year.  He became known for dancing with both strength and intensity.

The José Limón Dance Company was founded in 1946, when Limón returned from serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.  The company achieved success performing modern dances choreographed by Limón and former teacher Doris Humphrey.

The first dance Limón created became one of his most well-known and celebrated.  “The Moor’s Pavane” was inspired by Shakespeare’s “Othello.”  Dance Magazine honored Limón with the “most outstanding choreography” award .

José Limón used themes from history, religion, and classic literature to show “human grandeur, dignity and nobility.”  The José Limón Dance Company continues his legacy, and his technique has influenced dancers for decades.