The dancer was Ruth St. Denis, an American modern-dance pioneer whose 1906 work Radha drew on Hindu mythology. Her theatrical adaptation helped launch her solo career; later, the school and company she founded with Ted Shawn, Denishawn, influenced a generation of American dancers.
Who was Ruth St. Denis?
Ruth St. Denis, born Ruth Dennis, was an American dancer and choreographer associated with the emergence of modern dance. Sources differ on her birth year: the New York Public Library’s finding aid records her birth in Newark, New Jersey, in 1879 while noting conflicting claims, whereas the Routledge Encyclopedia of Modernism gives 1878 in its heading. The discrepancy means a single year should not be treated as settled.
In 1904, while touring with David Belasco’s Madame DuBarry, St. Denis saw an image of the Egyptian goddess Isis on a cigarette poster. The New York Public Library account says the encounter redirected her toward dance as a serious art form. Two years later, she presented a work that would become central to her early career: Radha.
How did Hindu mythology inspire Radha?
St. Denis had planned an Egyptian ballet but could not raise the funds for it. According to the New York Public Library’s archival history, she instead created Radha, a ballet drawing on Hindu mythology. It premiered at New York’s Hudson Theater on March 22, 1906, alongside The Incense and The Cobras.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Size and Heels: RoseMoli Practice Dance Shoes are designed to fit firm & snug. These dance practice shoes have a snug fit, ordering your usual size may feel tight.If you prefer a roomier fit, you may want to consider sizing up.2" Cuban heel or 1.5" Cuban heel for you to choose.
- Lightweight&Comfortable:Super lightweight,felxible and comfy.The dance shoe designed for dance practise,beautiful,functional,comfortable and durable.
- Premium Material:High quality Synthetic fabric upper,Mesh design,soft and breathable.lined with a microfibre that helps to wick sweat and keep your feet dry.
- Anti-slip Split Suede Sole:Split Sole for absolute flexibility.The flexible suede soles allow you to move with the full range of motion needed to undertake fast, detailed movements while feeling the floor and giving your feet a break from heels and stronger footwear.
- RoseMoli Dance Shoes: We value high-quality materials and craftsmanship on all of our products.We have a rigorous quality control program.RoseMoli Ballroom practice shoes are Perfect for all latin and ballroom dance styles, salsa, bachata, kizomba, as well as jazz, rock'n roll swing etc.Great pair for practice and going out for social dancing.
Routledge describes Radha as an impressionistic version of the Indian goddess. That description matters: the work was St. Denis’s theatrical adaptation of Hindu material, not an authoritative account or faithful presentation of Hindu ritual. Its success helped launch her solo career in Europe, where she toured extensively with Indian-themed works from 1906 to 1909, according to Routledge.
How did Denishawn influence modern dance?
St. Denis met dancer Ted Shawn in 1914. They founded Denishawn, a school and company that expanded her repertory and spread her methods. The New York Public Library says Denishawn influenced American dance for seventeen years and identifies Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, and Charles Weidman among its students; each went on to develop a distinct style.
Rank #2
- Size and Heels: RoseMoli Practice Dance Shoes are designed to fit firm & snug. These dance practice shoes have a snug fit, ordering your usual size may feel tight.If you prefer a roomier fit, you may want to consider sizing up.2" Cuban heel or 1.5" Cuban heel for you to choose.
- Lightweight&Comfortable:Super lightweight,felxible and comfy.The dance shoe designed for dance practise,beautiful,functional,comfortable and durable.
- Premium Material:High quality Synthetic fabric upper,Mesh design,soft and breathable.lined with a microfibre that helps to wick sweat and keep your feet dry.
- Anti-slip Split Suede Sole:Split Sole for absolute flexibility.The flexible suede soles allow you to move with the full range of motion needed to undertake fast, detailed movements while feeling the floor and giving your feet a break from heels and stronger footwear.
- RoseMoli Dance Shoes: We value high-quality materials and craftsmanship on all of our products.We have a rigorous quality control program.RoseMoli Ballroom practice shoes are Perfect for all latin and ballroom dance styles, salsa, bachata, kizomba, as well as jazz, rock'n roll swing etc.Great pair for practice and going out for social dancing.
Routledge connects Denishawn alumni with the generation of the 1930s that named modern dance. The company’s era ended at the close of the 1931–1932 season, according to the library finding aid. Its influence is therefore part of a larger story: St. Denis’s importance lies not only in her own performances but also in the training ground she built for dancers who shaped the next phase of American dance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you read more about St. Denis?
The New York Public Library’s Ruth St. Denis papers finding aid provides archival biographical context and identifies An Unfinished Life as her autobiography. For a collection of her talks, poetry, and essays, see the Wisdom Comes Dancing: Selected Writings of Ruth St. Denis catalog entry. The Routledge Encyclopedia of Modernism entry offers a specialist account of her work and influence.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Materials: High quality stretchy fabrics ; cushioning insoles ; professional split sole soft suede outsoles
- Design: Classic closed toe design ; 1'' heel ; adjustable length laces
- Comfortable: Lightweight ; flexible ; slip resistant ; wearable
- Applicable group: Professional & hobby for Latin ; Quickstep ; Viennese waltz ; Tango ; casual shoes for women ; casual wear
- Size: Choose the size according to the size chart on the left
Rank #3
- High Quality Leather Upper and Arch Insert Design
- Split sole, EVA sole patch and heel
- Fabric lining, Flat Heel, approximately 0.4"
- 8.5M---Heel to Toe 9.92 inches/252mm
- SIZE: Please measure your feet length first and choose according to the size information of Linodes (Tent) Leather Upper Jazz Shoe Slip-on for Women and Men's Dance Shoes
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
