History
As you can see below, Modern Dance started with Isadora Duncan. Her goal as a performer was to "express the essence of life" through movement, which the ballet enthusiasts weren't doing. Thus, a new style was born. She also changed the dance world by shedding her tutu and shoes, using gravity to her advantage instead of defying it, and pursuing her interest to dance without music. Thankfully, even after her death, this new art form was continued. It rode upon many other shoulders into the present day, and we hold it now.