Ruth St. Denis

Definition

Ruth St. Denis was a pioneering American dancer and choreographer known for her innovative contributions to modern dance and her role in shaping the landscape of American dance in the early 20th century. Her work often blended Eastern and Western dance styles, reflecting her fascination with spirituality and theatricality, which helped to set the stage for future generations of dancers and choreographers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ruth St. Denis began her career as a performer in vaudeville before moving on to create her own dance works that incorporated theatrical elements.
2. Her choreography often drew inspiration from various cultural traditions, leading to a unique fusion of styles that celebrated diversity in dance.
3. St. Denis was instrumental in bringing Indian dance and other Eastern influences to American audiences, significantly broadening the scope of contemporary performance.
4. Alongside her husband Ted Shawn, she established the Denishawn School in Los Angeles, which trained many influential dancers including Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey.
5. St. Denis's legacy continues to influence modern dance today, as she helped to pave the way for women in the field and championed the importance of artistic expression.

Review Questions

• How did Ruth St. Denis's approach to dance differ from traditional ballet practices?
  • Ruth St. Denis's approach to dance differed significantly from traditional ballet practices as she sought to break away from rigid techniques and instead emphasized self-expression and emotional connectivity. Her work often incorporated elements from various cultural dances, showcasing a blend of Eastern and Western styles that reflected her spiritual interests. This innovative approach not only expanded the boundaries of what dance could encompass but also set the stage for the emergence of modern dance as a legitimate art form.
• Discuss the impact of the Denishawn School on the development of modern dance in America.
  • The Denishawn School had a profound impact on the development of modern dance in America by serving as a training ground for numerous influential dancers and choreographers. Co-founded by Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, it introduced students to a wide array of dance styles, emphasizing creativity and expression over traditional techniques. Many notable figures in modern dance, including Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey, emerged from this school, helping to further establish modern dance as a respected artistic discipline within American culture.
• Evaluate Ruth St. Denis's contributions to American dance in terms of cultural diversity and gender representation.
  • Ruth St. Denis's contributions to American dance can be evaluated through her commitment to cultural diversity and gender representation within the art form. By incorporating diverse cultural elements into her choreography, particularly from Eastern traditions, she opened up new avenues for exploration and expression in American dance. Moreover, as a prominent female figure in a male-dominated field, she played a critical role in elevating women's voices in choreography and performance, inspiring countless women to pursue careers in dance and contributing significantly to the evolution of modern dance as an inclusive art form.

Related terms

Modern Dance: A dance genre that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a departure from traditional ballet techniques and an emphasis on self-expression and creativity.

Denishawn School: A dance school co-founded by Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, which became one of the most influential training centers for modern dance in the United States.

Dance Ethnology: The study of dance in its cultural context, examining how dance reflects social, historical, and spiritual practices within different cultures.