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Ruth St. Denis: the lost ballet

Article Abstract:

Ruth St. Denis' lost ballet is the 'Ballet of the States,' commissioned for the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair. St. Denis was very relieved to receives this commission as it came after a rift with Shawn. She sought to capture the American spirit in this dance. The central symbol was the torch of the Statue of Liberty and the dancers' job was to present dramatic episodes in American history from the Revolution to the present time. 'America,' the final ballet, was to present the distinctive histories of the states.

History, Criticism and interpretation, Modern dance

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Darshan and abhinaya: an alternative to the male gaze

Article Abstract:

Methods used in feminist film theory to deconstruct the gaze can be used to deconstruct 'abhinaya' and the relationship between performer and audience. Performers and observers of abhinaya fill the archetypal images with living presence. Psychoanalytic feminist theories postulate a male gaze connecting performer and audience coming from the power structures of looking, while 'darshan' and the 'rasa' model use a female model with a reciprocal activity of mutual recognition.

Dancing, Dance

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Ruth St. Denis and India's dance renaissance

Article Abstract:

Ruth St. Denis' 1926 visit to India with the Denishawn Company did much to bring about a rebirth of India's interest in and respect for its artistic heritage. She knew that her dances were inauthentic - they were reflections of her own personality, but she still brought an awareness and positive image of Indian art forms to the public outside India.

Biography, Folk dancing

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