Ruth St. Denis and Co.

Ruth St. Denis is presenting a series of classical dances representing the Oriental, Medieval and Symbolic. Her offering is most colorful in setting, and the star and the quartet of young women assisting are almost continually undraped. There is something rather remarkable about the act as it now stands, and that is the fact that the star of the aggregation permits the company to shine in several individual solo dances that earn fully as much applause as does the work of Miss St. Denis herself. The opening dances are rather slow, and it is difficult to capture the elusive symbolism that the exponents of terpsichorean art try to convey. The opening number, a cross between Chinese and Tartar, is too slow. Miss St. Denis is the sole occupant of the stage during this number which consists of naught but a series of poses by her. Following is a number delivered by a trio of the girls before a drop of a grape arbor. This is also rather weak. Then the young women present a dance that is the first lively touch. A dance of Ancient, Persia, presented before a black set, is one of the most effective. It contains a comedy element that was immediately perceived by the audience. Then before a transparent drape drop of pastel green, the lighting behind which is most effectively handled, the company and star present a series of very clever dances. A shadow dance by two of the girls, with their figures standing out in detail because of the back lighting, caught the audience's fancy. For the finish there is a symbolic number, evidently depicting the Mother of the World and the Allies in their victory. It is well worked out but it is doubtful if the audience gathered the intent. What is most needed by Miss St. Denis is some one to prepare adequate program material for the audience to follow the stage. This will at least permit them to speak intelligently regarding her act after they have witnesses it and will give them an opportunity to appear as though they were real high brows and knew all about the art of symbolic dancing, and it will add much to the effectiveness of her offering. Assisting Ms. St. Denis are Doris Humphrey, Betty Horst, Edna Malone and Pearl Wheeler. Louis Horst is the musical director.

Variety, 53:10 (01/31/1919)