Alwin Nikolais was an influential American choreographer, dancer, and multimedia artist, born on September 25, 1910. He is best known for his innovative approach to dance, which combined movement, music, and visual elements. Nikolais aimed to create a total theater experience, often using elaborate costumes and lighting to enhance his performances. Throughout his career, Nikolais developed a unique style that emphasized the abstraction of movement rather than traditional storytelling. He founded the Nikolais/Louis Dance Company and was a key figure in the modern dance movement, influencing many dancers and choreographers, including Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham.