Ted Shawn, American dancer and choreographer (b. 1891)

Ted Shawn, born Edwin Myers Shawn on October 21, 1891, and passing on January 9, 1972, stands as a towering figure and one of the quintessential pioneers of American modern dance. His visionary contributions profoundly reshaped the landscape of dance, particularly in challenging and redefining the role of the male dancer in the early 20th century, a period when ballet was often perceived as a predominantly feminine art form in the United States.

Shawn’s influence permeated various facets of the dance world, establishing foundational institutions and revolutionary concepts that continue to resonate today. A cornerstone of his early career was the establishment of the Denishawn School of Dancing and Related Arts. Co-founded in 1915 in Los Angeles with his former wife and celebrated dancer Ruth St. Denis, Denishawn became an immensely influential training ground. This school was not merely an academy but a crucible for many of the future luminaries of American modern dance, including Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, and Charles Weidman, who later forged their own distinct techniques and companies. Denishawn was pivotal in creating a uniquely American approach to dance, moving beyond traditional European ballet and embracing diverse influences from various cultures and forms.

Perhaps one of Shawn's most groundbreaking endeavors was the formation of Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers. Established in 1933, this all-male company was a revolutionary concept for its time. Through this ensemble, Shawn directly confronted prevailing stereotypes, showcasing men not just as supportive partners but as powerful, athletic, and expressive performers in their own right. His choreography for the company was innovative, emphasizing a new vision of "masculine movement" that was virile, dynamic, and dramatic. This pioneering work significantly broadened the public's perception of male dancers, asserting their rightful place and artistic validity within the world of concert dance.

Beyond his performing and choreographic innovations, Shawn left an indelible organizational legacy as the founder and creator of the internationally renowned Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. Located on his farm in Becket, Massachusetts, which he purchased in 1931, Jacob's Pillow began as a summer retreat and performance space for Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers. Over decades, it evolved into a premier dance institution, celebrated worldwide as a National Historic Landmark. Jacob's Pillow today serves as a vital hub for dance performance, education, and preservation, hosting renowned companies and emerging artists, conducting professional training programs, and maintaining an extensive archive of dance history.

Shawn's extraordinary contributions were recognized globally. In testament to his international stature and impact, he was formally knighted by King Frederik IX of Denmark in 1957. This distinguished honor, the Order of Dannebrog, was bestowed upon him in recognition of his significant efforts and profound influence on behalf of the Royal Danish Ballet, underscoring his role in fostering transatlantic artistic exchange and promoting the art of dance on a global scale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ted Shawn

Who was Ted Shawn?
Ted Shawn (born Edwin Myers Shawn) was a pioneering American dancer, choreographer, and educator, widely recognized as one of the first male figures to significantly shape American modern dance. He challenged conventions and redefined masculinity in dance.
What was the Denishawn School?
The Denishawn School of Dancing and Related Arts was a highly influential dance school co-founded by Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis in 1915. It was instrumental in developing early American modern dance and trained many future leaders of the field, including Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey.
Why was Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers important?
This all-male dance company, founded by Shawn in 1933, was revolutionary. It aimed to redefine the perception of male dancers, presenting them as powerful, athletic, and masculine performers, thereby countering prevailing stereotypes and significantly expanding opportunities for men in dance.
What is Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival?
Jacob's Pillow is an internationally acclaimed dance festival and school located in Becket, Massachusetts, founded by Ted Shawn. It began on his farm and evolved into a National Historic Landmark, serving as a vital center for dance performance, education, and archival preservation globally.
Why was Ted Shawn knighted by the King of Denmark?
Ted Shawn was knighted by King Frederik IX of Denmark in 1957 with the Order of Dannebrog. This honor recognized his significant contributions and efforts on behalf of the Royal Danish Ballet, reflecting his international influence and impact on the global dance community.