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The Extraordinary Costumes of Ruth St Denis

16/1/2013

2 Comments

 
I recently came across this beautiful collection of images and couldn't resist sharing them with you. They are all of Ruth St Denis, who is considered to be one the pioneers of modern dance. She is known for combining dance with theatre and creating oriental inspired choreography. The story goes that in 1904 she saw an image of the Goddess Isis in an advert for "Egyptian Deities" cigarettes and that prompted a passion for all things exotic.

You can see that this fascination influenced not only her dances, but the clothes she wore too. Here are my favourite photographs of her and her extraordinary costumes:

I just adore this headdress. I wonder if I could get away with something similar?!
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Costume 1917

I think this costume is so suited to the dynamic nature of dance. You can see it in action here.
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Radha

Don't you think this dress works well in combination with her pose to portray the majesty of the peacock.
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The Peacock

The first time I saw this one I actually thought it was of a statue. Doesn't the fabric drape beautifully.
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Greek Veil Costume c.1920

I think this is one of the best photographs in the collection - the high contrast, the symmetry and the inviting pose...
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A Burmese Solo c.1923
This one is beautifully bejeweled - I wonder how long it took to make!
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Radha
Image Credits: The Denishawn Collection, New York Public Library
If I had to choose, I think the first costume from Radha is my favourite. I do have a definite thing for circle skirts.

Which of her costumes do you think is most interesting?
2 Comments
knitnrun4sanity link
16/1/2013 10:50:57

The way she holds her head is amazing - sort of regal but a bit dismissive too. I too like the first one - probably because it is most 'real'.

Reply
Claire Wilson link
20/1/2013 08:55:43

I studied Ruth St Denis for my dance degree. She has such elegance and grace. I think the most beautiful costume is the Radha one - the movement of the skirt takes me off into a performance!

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