Customer Reviews

Every Little Movement: A Book About Delsarte

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

[This review pertains to 1974 reprint edition.]

Every Little Movement by Ted Shawn is a discussion of Delsarte's principles of the art of eloquent speech and gestures, with some explanation as to how these principles apply to the art of dance. Francois Delsarte coached actors and developed a unique philosophy to help actors and public speakers with oratory. His philosophy inspired and changed the way actors were trained. Delsarte's work was at its peak from around 1839-59, with many immitators and spin-offs. Delsarte did not write a book, however, many other books were written about his philosophy and techniques, and many these books are now in the public domain (some are available online from free library archives). Every Little Movement has a bibliography listing many of these books, with Ted Shawn's reviews of which books are most worth reading and were written by credible sources.

One of my favorite belly dance instructors recommended Every Little Movement (published in 1954 and reprinted in 1974, this book is currently out of print). I found out later that some of the great American belly dancers studied Delsarte's techniques, using them effectively to enhance their dance performances and train students. This is a small book, the 1974 reprint is 127 pages. It is not the easiest book to read (long paragraphs), but it is appropriate for college-educated readers and the illustrations are interesting. This is not a book I'd recommend to someone for a little light reading, but rather a book for someone seriously interested in Delsarte's philosophy or an academian in the field of dance or acting. If you want to buy this book, check various used book dealers to find a competitive price, since it's a rare book it can be expensive. I was able to find the 1974 Dance Horizons, Inc. reprint at a reasonable price, earlier editions were published in 1954 and 1963. The later editions were revised & enlarged.

Ted Shawn believes that Francois Delsarte is responsible for developing theories on physical expression that led to an overhaul of the dance world at the turn of the 19th century bringing about Modern Dance. Delsarte's system is taught as a science and was developed after Delsarte watched people's actions in all circumstances over many decades. He and the author believe that following this system will lead to a harmony of the "Triune Human Being," as it exercises Mind, Body, and Soul equally and simultaneously. Essentially, Modern dance, like Modern art and painting brought about in the same period, is a focus on the inner emotions of the artist and to only act out a mechanical movement compromises the meaning and value of the dance. All human movements have a reason for being that lies within the person and in dance, and the feeling of the piece should show through the dancer's movement because they truly believe. It is an interesting read with some helpful illustrations.