[1] Monte's first choreographic work, Treading (1979), defined her as an important innovator and contributor to contemporary dance.
[3] Monte started her dance training in 1955 at the age of 9, studying ballet under the tutelage of Russian classical dancer Vladimir Dokoudovsky.
[7] In 1974 Monte joined Martha Graham Dance Company, performing as a principal dancer in such classics as Seraphic Dialogue, Clytemnestra, Appalachian Spring, and O Thou Desire Who Art About to Sing.
"[15] Monte's jazzy, primal movements and swinging arcs of the pelvis produced "... a dance of great, almost violent energy... a bold exploration of space made by dancers pushing themselves beyond the bounce.
[17] As the company grew, Monte, with partner Brown as artistic director, created new works with a focus on diversity and multidisciplinary collaboration.
[18] In 1987, their daughter, Elia Monte-Brown, was born, and the formation of the family harmonized with the growth of the company: "For me, my work and my personal life are one thing.
[22] Monte often collaborates with artists in other disciplines, examples being: composers Glenn Branca, Richard Peaslee, Barbara Kolb, David Van Tieghem, Joe Dallarda; architects Todd Williams and Billie Tsien; visual artists Marisol who costumed Treading and set design for Next Wave’s commission of Set in Stone, and Philip Tsiaras; and photographer and close friend, Roy Volkmann, for whom the 1985 piece, Volkmann Suite, was named.