Title The cultivation of body and mind in nineteenth-century American Delsartism / Nancy Lee Chalfa Ruyter

Published Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 1999

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Description 1 online resource (xx, 152 pages) : illustrations Series Contributions to the study of music and dance, 0193-9041 ; no. 56 Contributions to the study of music and dance ; no. 56. 0193-9041 Contents The cast of characters in Europe and the United States -- American Delsartean theory and practice Summary Annotation This study chronicles the American adaptation of the theory and practice of the French acting, singing, and aesthetics teacher, Francois Delsarte. Delsartism was introduced in the United States by Steele Mackaye, Delsarte's only American student. American Delsartism, with its emphasis on physical culture and expression, differed significantly from Delsarte's works in France. The system evolved from professional training for actors and orators to a means of physical culture and expression that became popular among middle and upper class American women and girls. It allowed nineteenth-century women to pay attention to their bodies, to explore their own physicality, and to perform in a socially acceptable venues. In its later manifestations, Delsartism influenced the innovative dance of such artists as Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn. Biographical information on the most notable figures in the development of American Delsartism is presented along with a discussion of the spread of Delsartism throughout the United States and to Germany. The Delsartean approach to training and expression is traced from Delsarte and Mackaye through the theory, teaching, and performance of Genevieve Stebbins, the most notable American proponent of the system. This work will appeal to scholars of dance history and of late nineteenth-century women's studies. Theater historians will appreciate the detailed account of the system as developed and taught by Steele Mackaye as training for actors. Although Delsartism has been acknowledged as relevant to the history of modern dance, scant information and research has previously been published which explores the movement in depth and discusses its importance to women's physical and cultural education in nineteenth-century America. Photographs illustrate the text and an extensive bibliography serves as a useful guide for further research Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 133-147) and index Notes Print version record Subject Delsarte, François, 1811-1871. Stebbins, Genevieve. SUBJECT Delsarte, François, 1811-1871 fast Stebbins, Genevieve fast Subject Delsarte system -- History Physical education and training -- United States -- History -- 19th century Dance -- United States -- History -- 19th century PERFORMING ARTS -- Acting & Auditioning. Dance Delsarte system Physical education and training United States Genre/Form History Form Electronic book LC no. 99010076 ISBN 0313003378 9780313003370 0313310424 9780313310423

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