Isadora Duncan Was First Exponent of Modern Greek Dance

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 1, 12 July 1935, Page 20

Isadora Duncan Was First Exponent of Modern Greek Dance

URING the 188€ ten years there has been a néw movement established in Hngland known as the Revived Greek Dance. The first exponent of this form of art was Isadora Duncan, who regarded movement nat only as a means of artistic expression, but as a power wherein to .reform life. This method is being carried out by her pupils in New York and Paris. Other schools have been inspired py the Greek "Ideal-one of the best known in England is the GinnerMawer School of’ Dance and Drama; London-and.: it is from this school that the movement known as the Revived Greek Dance has spread from the British Isles throughout the world. ‘It has been the result of many years of research in the history, literature, sculpture, and other arts of Greece, and these years of study and experiment led to the steady growth of the Ginner-Mawer School, whence every year qualified teachers of this method are sent out into the world, From this source the work spread so rapidly that an association was formed to. centralise the activities connected with this teaching-hence the "Association of ‘Teachers of the Revived Greek Dance" was inaugurated by Ruby Ginner at Stratford-on-Avon in August, 1923. "The membership of the association is only possible through the results of the practical and theoretical examinations, so by standardising the work, much has been done to prevent unqualified The work has established itself in many educational cenires in England, and has met with interest and success. This interest is now becoming world-wide, and has spread. itself from England.to the Continent, to China, Japan, India, Burma, South Africa and Australia, and is now being introduced to New Zealand. Originally, it started in the post- -ectucational training in drama or dance; now it takes place in the curriculum of big educational girls’ colleges in’ England, small private schools, secondary schools, elementary schools and recrea-: tional clubs, for working women. ‘This. increasing, demand from the, people. as well'as educationists, shows that a. system of normal, sanely-balanced movement is. necessary.

The movements of the Revised Greek Dance develop the body equally without physical strain and over development of the muscles, and, at the same time provide a-medium for self-expression. Then the most important factor is that it is in direct communication with the classic arts of Greece. The Greeks based théir lives on the ideals of beauty, simplicity and strength, and their civilisation was

built from the great arts Which have survived dill LE vei turies that have rolled over them because of their essential quality and beauty of perfection. The art of the dance was the root idea of the Greek education, and in those days art and education were indivisible, but as the centuries went by they grew more and more apart, education being confined to the classroom, and: the arts to the Theatre, especially the art of dance, which played no part in the life of the people, but oniy by a band of expert exponents. © , The Greek dance was a translation of the movements of everyday happenings in’ Greek life, and the normal thoughts und.emotiong of the human mind. It was developed by the people for the people,.and was a vital power in every phase of Greek life-we read of the dance in literature, drama and poetry-we see representations on Greek vases, sculpture and architecture. . Traces of all their various types of dance are to be found in Greek art of every period, and we find that the lines are never taken away from the natural movements of the body. So the.Greek dance hag been re- constructed and based on the fact that the natural movement of the Greeks was the combination of the perfect physique of their bodies, and the beauty of their ideals. This form of movement requires as much.study.and practice as any other form of dance. To most people, at first it appears simple and easy. of achievement, but‘the apparent simplicity proves only the perfection of the art. The dancing of the supreme artist, Anna Pavlova, ‘always appeared to be the.easiest thing in the world, so perfect was her command of technique. ‘This lack of effort was a proof of the great artist, for true art never appears difficult. , During the last ten years, people have been surrounded ‘by everything which ig in direct opposition to the Greek ideal-the fact that mechanical transport is available everywhere has caused ‘a great lack’ of the: natural powers of ... movement. Walking takes too much time, and no One can afford to "waste"? a moment. In: the same way. niachinery . now produces all. that-was, once made and done. by. mannal labour. Then, again,: the ceaseless noise Of the cities is one of the worst afflictions our minds and nerves have to

bear. "Many people have reached a stage when they cannot be without noise; this applies especially to the younger generation-the- house must always be filled with the wireless or gramophone. Both these evils of noise and speed, are making us deaf to the beauties of nature and of art. » The price paid for this advancement of civilisation is a weakness of body and a duliness of perception. There have been many efforts made to counteract these evils, such as the rage for sun-bathing, or the eraze for "hiking" and other outdoor. exercises.

All this shows that people are becoming aware of their needs. In the midst of all this, the Revived Greek Dance is one of the strongest forces at work-it has taken its ideals from the days when life was unhurried, and from a people whose vision of beauty produced an art which was the perfect blending of body and soul. The power of Greek drama, the majesty of Greek architecture, and the loveliness of their sculpture and vases, all show the same quality of perfection. Amazing results have been achieved through this movement-weak bodies

have grown strong, bent bodies straight, and a definite development of physical beauty and power. The exercises develop the body equally and rhythmically, and every group of muscles is trained to act easily and to respond at once to the command of the brain. The student of this work learns complete control of her body, which becomes an instrument to use at will-not only are the physical powers developed, but the contemplation, of the arts of the ancient world soothe the spirit and help to gain repose.