The Evolution of Aesthetic and Expressive Dance in Boston, Cambria Press 2009
Dr. Jody Weber’s book on the free thinkers and radical movers who set Boston’s expressive dance scene in motion is now available. The research explores the regional revolutionaries who advocated for physical activity and self expression for women in the latter part of the nineteenth century. As new systems developed and took root, they created fertile ground for the “barefoot” dance introduced by the Italian Braggiotti sisters in 1919. Just ten years later, Boston produced some of America’s most dedicated dance educators whose work influenced the national and international dance scene. Dancers such as Jan Veen and Miriam Winslow were able to articulate their vision for a bold new form of dance training that incorporated the best ideas from available techniques and contemporary thought. Their national tours influenced small communities that were often overlooked by New York’s professional community, providing a grassroots exposure to the developing form of modern dance. Through their efforts to educate both dancers and audience members, Boston’s modern dance community contributed to the growth of modern dance both regionally and nationally.
Dr. Weber is available for talks on her book or other elements of dance history. To inquire, please email her at weberdance@rcn.com.
Dr. Weber is available for talks on her book or other elements of dance history. To inquire, please email her at weberdance@rcn.com.