Denishawn School of Dancing facts for kids

The Denishawn School of Dancing and Related Arts was a very important dance school. It was started in 1915 by two famous dancers, Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn. They opened their school in Los Angeles, California.

Denishawn taught many different dance styles. Students learned ballroom dancing, ballet, and various American and Indian dances. The school was known for mixing different cultures and ideas in its performances. It had a big impact on ballet and modern dance.

Many future dance stars trained at Denishawn. Some famous students included Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Lillian Powell, Charles Weidman, Jack Cole, and even silent film actress Louise Brooks.

Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn believed that dance was huge! They felt that every way a person has ever moved rhythmically to express themselves, from any culture or time, is part of dance. They wanted to use all dance styles from the past and welcome new ones in the future.

What Kinds of Dance Did They Teach?

Denishawn taught several unique styles of dance.

Dances from the East

These were some of the first dances created at Denishawn. Ruth St. Denis made most of these pieces. They used movements, costumes, and stage designs inspired by East Indian cultures. A famous example is St. Denis's Radha. This was a mini-ballet set in a Hindu temple. An exotic woman danced to honor the five senses.

American Dances

Ted Shawn loved American cultures. His dances often used music by American composers. They showed characters like cowboys, Native Americans, and baseball players.

Dancing to Music

This style was inspired by dancer Isadora Duncan. The movements were set very closely to the music. Dancers did not add their own feelings. If the music got louder, the body movements would grow. If the music became quiet, the body would rest. St. Denis's Soaring is a well-known example. It featured five female dancers.

Other Fun Dances

Denishawn also had other routines called "divertissements." These were shorter, entertaining pieces that showed off different dance styles.

Images for kids

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  Ruth St Denis & Company in a typical oriental style

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  Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn in an Egyptian-style dance