DNCE 345 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Isadora Duncan, Greek Dances, Modern Dance
Document Summary
Isadora duncan 1877 -1927: philosophy/influences, dance of ancient greece. Duncan was inspired by greek dance but did not recreate the dances of ancient greece. What was the connection between her dance and that of ancient greece: dance as a prayer. Dance in ancient greece was a sacred art. Duncan wanted to create dance that expressed her own sacred ideals. "art which is not religious is not art; it is mere merchandise: movements of nature. The ancient greeks evolved their dance from nature. Duncan created movement that was inspired by nature and was natural for the body. Hellenism refers to the art and culture of ancient greece. Hellenist movement was very popular at the turn of the 20th century, particularly in california. Hellenists were cultured, intellectuals, who held anything greek in the highest esteem. In the 1880"s, a new craze developed in america: delsartism. Francois delsarte, 1811-1871, frenchman, linked posture, gesture and vocal expression to the emotions.
