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; Delsartes only American student. American Delsartism; with its emphasis on physical culture and expression; differed significantly from Delsartes 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 womens 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 womens physical and cultural education in nineteenth-century America. Photographs illustrate the text and an extensive bibliography serves as a useful guide for further research.
#3490610 in eBooks 1999-09-30 1999-09-30File Name: B000PY3IFU
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Review of "Chicago At the Turn of the Century in Photographs"By DiogenesI grew up in Chicago and lived in the city or suburbs for 34 years. But; this city is in a constant state of change; when I visit; buildings are gone and replaced; neighborhoods have changed; businesses have closed; and its not the same place as I remember. This book takes the reader back to a time long before mine and its a wonderful resource for images of a city that now exists only in history or in memories. When growing up; I remember the controversies surrounding the loss of buildings like the Garrick Theater and Adler and Sullivans 1893 Stock Exchange but those are hazy memories. Now; Haymarket Square has been rebuilt with most of the old edifices that gave it atmosphere now gone. Maxwell Street is gentrified; too; and the its past is now only a memory and the Stockyards are now an industrial park. But; this book and its early 20th century pictures let the reader see buildings and places that once were part of everyday city life and make them alive again. The Garrick; the Haymarket; the Stockyards; and Maxwell Street are all here and there is power in these black and white photographs of buildings; places; and the people of the city that make the past real again; almost tangible. For the student of history or architecture or simply for the expatriate Chicagoan; this is a highly enjoyable book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Step Back in Time to 1880s ChicagoBy TJ MccarthyIf you dont believe that Chicago was the world leader in architecture at the end of the 19th century; buy this book - you might just change your mind!First off; there are maps that show the location of each photograph. If you dont know the city; that helps you get things organized in your mind. If you know the city; you can do your own "then and now" comparison based on your latest visit. Most of these gems are long gone; and were replaced by poor substitutes. The author then does a good job of explaining about the photographs themselves. When and why they were taken; how they were used; the equipment involved; and why these particular negatives were chosen.And then; you are allowed to feast your eyes on 122 full-page shots of old Chicago. The focus is on architecture; but youll see some of the people; the river commerce; the "El"; and the bustle of commerce. You do have to live with the photographic constraints of the day; e.g. everything is black and white; and the street scenes contain blurs of motion from people and vehicles; owing to the long exposure times. Some of the negatives are damaged; particularly around the edges; but to the authors credit; there is no attempt at photoshopping to fix the problems. What you see is the best; most accurate presentation possible.This is a great look at a lost time; and lost architecture. Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Ron H.Good book for fans and residents of Chicago