DAN 345 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Lester Horton, Denishawn School, Jacob'S Pillow Dance
Document Summary
Shawn was married to ruth st. denis and formed the denishawn company with her. He split from her personally and professionally in 1930 and formed his own company of male dancers. He wanted to show that dancing was a manly sport and form of expression. Many of his dances were based on his conception of american indian dance. He researched some of these dances in books while also going to observe some. His was fascinated by the style of american indian dance. His dances did not accurately portray american indian values and culture. He was trying to use his dances and his writings to argue for male dominance in dance. He was an advocate for nudity and thought that public nudity would inspire people to get in shape to build up a physically more perfect race . His costumes were therefore extremely minimal and very revealing.
