Ted Shawn
Ted Shawn
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Edward Henry Shaw was commonly known as Ted Shawn.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: August 21, 1891, in New Rochelle, New York
Died: January 9, 1972, in Lenox, Massachusetts
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American dancer, choreographer, director, and founder of the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.
Early Life and Background
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Shawn was born to a family with a strong background in dance. His mother was a pianist and his father was a painter. Shawn grew up surrounded by art and music, which influenced his early interest in dance. He began training at the age of 5 and went on to study under various prominent dance instructors.
Major Accomplishments
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Shawn's most notable achievement is the establishment of the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in 1931. This festival provided a platform for both established and emerging choreographers, dancers, and companies to showcase their work. Shawn was also known for his work as a dancer and choreographer, performing with various companies throughout Europe.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Shawn's most notable works include "The Seven Dances," "The Three Holy Females," and "The Goddess." He was also recognized for his contributions to the development of American modern dance. In addition, Shawn worked tirelessly to promote dance as an art form, often going against conventional norms.
Impact and Legacy
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Shawn's impact on the world of dance is still felt today. His establishment of Jacob's Pillow helped launch the careers of numerous dancers and choreographers. Shawn also played a significant role in shaping American modern dance by introducing new techniques and pushing the boundaries of traditional forms. He received numerous awards for his contributions to dance, including an Honorary Doctorate from Smith College.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Shawn is widely quoted and remembered due to his groundbreaking work in establishing Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, as well as his significant contributions to the development of American modern dance. His innovative approach to choreography and his dedication to promoting dance as an art form have made a lasting impact on the world of dance.
As a pioneer in the field of dance, Shawn's legacy continues to inspire dancers, choreographers, and directors today. His commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms is still evident in the numerous festivals and performances held around the world each year.
Quotes by Ted Shawn
Ted Shawn's insights on:
Man has used human rhythmic movement as raw material out of which to create works of art, as the composer of music uses sound, the sculptor uses stone and wood, the painter his pigments, and the writer – words.
I believe that dance communicates man’s deepest, highest and most truly spiritual thoughts and emotions far better than words, spoken or written.
Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching. Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made
I wanted to see if the American man in plain brown pants and a bare torso could speak profound things.
I believe that dance is the oldest, noblest and most cogent of the arts. I believe that dance is the most perfect symbol of the activity of God and His angels. I believe that dance has the power to heal, mentally and physically. I believe that true education in the art of dance is education of the whole man.
Education in the art of dance is education of the whole man − his physical, mental and emotional natures are disciplined and nourished simultaneously in dance.
Man has used human rhythmic movement as raw material out of which to create works of art, as the composer of music uses sound, the sculptor uses stone and wood, the painter his pigments, and the writer - words.
