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Ted Shawn and the creation of Denishawn
Ted Shawn (1891- 1972) of Kansas City, Missouri was the first man to achieve a high level of recognition in the world of modern dance. In 1912 Shawn graduated form The University of Denver where he had original intentions of becoming a minister. It was there that Shawn’s battles with diphtheria lead him into the world of dance as an outlet to regain muscle strength. It wasn’t until marrying wife Ruth St. Denis in 1914 that Shawn realized his true potential as an artist. Soon after the marriage the couple opened the first Denishawn School in Los Angeles, California. The following year he launched a cross-country tour with his dance partner, Norma Gould, and their Interpretive Dancers.Julnar of the Sea, Xochitl, and Les Mysteres Dionysiaques are just a few notable performances choreographed by Shawn during the company’s seventeen year run. Throughout the duration of his School and Company he produced some of the most influential dancers for the next generations such as, Martha Graham and Charles Weidman. , International Dictionary of Modern Dance,

Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers
Although Denishawn came to an end in 1929 due to tough circumstances both in Shawn’s and St Denis marriage as well as the economy, Shawn’s second dance group Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers were soon to follow in his dancing career. The new all male company was based out of Massachusetts near his then home of Lee. In creating this company Shawn was hoping to make America become more aware, and accept the importance and dedication of the male dancer along with his role in the arts. It was with this new company that Shawn produced some of his most controversial and highly skilled choreography to date. With works such as Ponca Indian Dance, Sinhalse Devil Dance, Maori War Haka, Hopi Indian Eagle Dance, and Dyak Spear Dances were all performances that really stressed male movement.

Creation of Jacob’s Pillow
With this new company came the creation of Jacob’s Pillow, a dance school, retreat, and theater. Jacob’s Pillow has since become one of the largest and most respected dance festivals, with performances and guests from some of the most prominent companies in the world. With the opening of The School of Dance for Men his accomplishment was met when male dancing soon made its way into colleges nationwide. Shawn made his last appearance on stage in the Ted Shawn Theater at Jacob’s Pillow in his performance of Siddhas of the Upper Air where he reunited with St. Denis. Shawn was still teaching classes at Jacob’s Pillow just months before his death at the age of 80.