Isadora’s Birthday—

Isadora Duncan’s Birthday is coming soon — May 27, to be exact (the year was 1877).   A great dancer, and choreographer, volatile, generous, uncompromising in her art, Isadora paved the way for countless other women to create their own body of work, not only in dance, but also in all the arts.  Isadora was one of the most courageous and visionary women ever to walk the earth.  Her motto – “sans limites”  (without limits).  I thought I’d post some images of her and of the “Isadorables” her adopted daughters who carried on her work and preserved her great choreography. There’s also a few photos of me at the end of this posting!

A fairly rare photo of Isadora in a dressing gown —  ”You were wild once,” she said, don’t let them tame you!”

This is a photo of Isadora dancing by Edward Steichen —

Below is the famous photo of Isadora at the Parthenon, by Steichen also.  Coming to Greece in 1903 and seeing the Parthenon was a defining moment for her.  Of this experience she said: For many days no movement came to me.  And then one day came the thought: These columns which seem so straight and still are not really straight, each one is curving gently from the base to the height, each one is in flowing movement, never resting, and the movement of each is in harmony with the others.  And as I thought this my arms rose slowly toward the Temple and I leaned forward—and then I knew I had found my dance—and it was a prayer.

 

A beautiful photo of Anna Duncan — 

Three of the Isadorables — Margot, Anna and Irma

Hortense Kooluris, (1914-2007) a student of Anna, Irma and Maria Theresa Duncan, a marvelous dancer, a great lady and an esteemed teacher —  I was very fortunate to have studied with her—

Me! (photo by Cy Bowers)

And me again (photo by my sister Joan Cassis) —

 

P.S. New jewels, including fabulous sautoirs coming soon!

 

 

 

Edited: May 15th, 2009

Happy Mother’s Day!!

I’ve always loved this little poem: 

Who ran to help me when I fell,

 And would some pretty story tell,

Or kiss the place to make it well?

My mother.   —Jane Taylor (1783–1824)

Although it’s so simple, to me it captures the spirit of nurturing that defines what a mother is— including the many visions we have of her:

Mother Mary —

Mother Earth —

Green Tara —

Mom’s by artists — this one by Gustav Klimpt

I love this image by the artist Tarbell —

And this beautiful photo of a newborn in Africa —

And of course there’s always Mother Goose! —

Have a lovely Mother’s Day — where ever you may be — perhaps all women who nurture and care for any living thing are mothers in their own way — and deserve an extra special day! 

 

Edited: May 9th, 2009

All Things Seem Possible in May

It’s May, month of budding trees, garden blooms and Mother’s Day (more on that later!).   Spring is truly here at last!

Awake thou wintry earth — fling off thy sadness!  Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth your ancient gladness!  Thomas Blackburn, poet

Edited: May 1st, 2009