born Jan. 12, 1908, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mex.
died Dec. 2, 1972, Flemington, N.J., U.S.
Mexican-born U.S. modern dancer, choreographer, and founder-director of the José Limón Dance Company.
At age seven he moved to the U.S., where he later studied with Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman and danced with their company (1930–40). He established his own company in 1947, with Humphrey as artistic director. His choreography conveyed modern-dance expression within a well-defined structure, as exemplified by works such as The Moor's Pavane (1949) and Missa Brevis (1958). The company toured worldwide during Limón's life and remained active after his death.
Limón, 1965
Martha Swope