The Lester Horton Dance Technique

Lester Horton (1903-1953) was a pioneering choreographer and dance teacher who revolutionized the world of dance training by creating the Lester Horton Dance Technique. Horton developed a dance technique that was accessible to all and would strengthen and fortify a dancer’s body, regardless of the dance form they were training in. His technique is taught in dance studios, academic programs, and is the official dance training technique of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and its school.

Medcalf received his primary training in the Horton technique under Jimmy Truitt, Milton Myers, Ana Marie Forsythe, and Freddie Moore. In 2014, he attended the annual two-week Horton Pedagogy Workshop at the Alley School in New York City.

With the ability to teach various levels of ballet, jazz, and contemporary, Medcalf’s pedagogy focuses primarily on teaching the Horton technique. As a sought-after teacher of the technique in academia, dance conferences, and private dance studios, Medcalf has conducted workshops and masterclasses in Japan, Germany, and America.

If you are interested in bringing Medcalf in for workshops or masterclasses in the Horton technique email him at michaelmedcalf1@gmail.com.