January 20: Today in Dance

Born Today: Ruth St. Denis

It is said that dancer Ruth St. Denis (1879–1968) was inspired to pursue a career in dance by a poster for “Egyptian Deities” cigarettes. Along with her husband and fellow dancer Ted Shawn (1891–1972), she created a teaching dynasty and toured all over the world performing dances inspired by exotic locales and peoples. To today’s sensibilities, much of their work will seem like cultural…