Ruth St. Denis Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ruth St. Denis.

Ruth St. Denis (1879-1968) was an influential American dance pioneer and choreographer, considered one of the most important figures in the development of modern dance. Born in New Jersey, St. Denis began her dance training at a young age and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in theater.

In 1906, St. Denis formed a partnership with her husband, Ted Shawn, creating the Denishawn School of Dancing and Related Arts. The school aimed to blend various dance traditions and disciplines, including ballet, modern dance, and Asian styles, into a unified art form. St. Denis's choreographic works often drew inspiration from Eastern philosophies and cultures, and she incorporated elements of ethnic dances from India, Egypt, and Japan into her performances.

St. Denis's artistic vision helped establish modern dance as a legitimate art form, breaking away from the rigid conventions of ballet and introducing a greater sense of freedom and expression. Her innovative approach to movement and her use of elaborate costumes and set designs also made her a trailblazer in the realm of theatrical dance.

Throughout her career, St. Denis toured extensively, both in the United States and internationally, spreading the influence of modern dance and inspiring future generations of dancers. Her legacy continues to shape the world of contemporary dance, and she is remembered as a visionary who revolutionized the art form.