Major Thoughts in Isadora Duncan’s The Dancer of the Future

 The following is an enumeration of the major thoughts as presented in Isadora Duncan’s essay, The Dancer of the Future.

by Arun Prasad R, Department of English, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala

• Isadora Duncan’s essay “The Dancer of the Future”, forms part of her book, The Art of the Dance (1928).  Duncan was an American dancer and choreographer, who gained reputation through her life devoted to dance. She was a solo performer and her narratives and writings on dance would later become the foundation for contemporary dance. She begins the essay by pointing out the rich harmony of movement existing between the natural phenomenon of the waves, the winds and the earth, which is synchronous with each other and do not vary or differ at a later point of time. Similarly is the harmonic rhythms as seen between the birds, animals and our Mother Earth. This harmony with nature exists for the civilised human beings too , though we had strayed away from nature. Just as the earth and its vast living forms are interconnected with harmony, the earth too is guided by the universe. The author points out the fact that this harmony which binds each of the creations in the universe, can be termed as “will”.

• Dance can be interpreted as an expression of this will, which is passed from the universe to the earth and finally into the beings. Dance, essentially is the human translation of the ultimate rhythms as presented by the universe.

• However, the author critiques the contemporary dance forms for having strayed away from this comprehension of harmony and will, and terms it as an expression of degeneration and sterility. To cite, she mentions about the contemporary school of ballet which strives to move away from the classic rhythms of nature; instead of focusing on the evolution of movements through naturalised choreography, much of the attention in contemporary ballet is on make up and attire. Ballet dancers of the present times possess inappropriate physique which was a mandatory concern in the ancient times. Much of the performers have deformed muscles and bones due to lack of physical exercises. Ballet, traditionally was an epitome of physical prowess and artistic morales through its portrayal of the evolution of dance movements, however, in the present it had degraded itself with the pomp show of make up and glittering clothing. She calls forth for a renewal of dance forms with an emphasis on rhythms and movements letting us sync with the universal patterns, instead of being a pomp show dedicated to revealing the skin, the sensual physique and gaudy make up. She highlights the scientific and precise study of dance as achieved by Greeks, as an inspiring guiding spirit in front of the present day dance research, so as to let us evolve ourselves into a greater perception of the enigmas of the universe. Grecian observation of the movements governing the universe had given them considerable insights into the furnishing of dance moves as depicted in their paintings, carvings, sketches and sculptures. The art of dance depicted by Greeks act as a timeless scape narrating to mankind the beauty, rhythm and aesthetics of movements as observed in this cosmos.
• The author highlights the high spirited perception and taste for high found dance rhythms in Ancient Greek art, which is born out of a spiritual essence. Taking heed to this thought, the author highlights the necessity of favouring extreme piety and spirituality in absorbing and comprehending the rhythms of this fantastic universe. The contemporary dancer must understand that they are bestowed upon the duty to transfer to the mankind the holiness permeating all creations.
• “She will dance the changing life of nature, showing how each part is transformed into the other. From all parts of her body shall shine radiant intelligence, bringing to the world the message of the thoughts and aspirations of thousands of women. She shall dance the freedom of woman….”