HINDU EXOTICA IN RUTH ST. DENIS'S DANCES “RADHA” (1906), “NAUTCH” (1909), “INCENSE” (1906)

Ruth St. Denis was an iconic figure in the early 20th century who is often hailed as the mother of Modern dance in America. Along with Isadora Duncan and Lois Fuller, she is credited with the sweeping changes in movement and dance and perceptions about the same in the said era. Ruth St. Denis's art was a synthesis of different cultural influences. Predominant among these were Hindu beliefs and Hindu culture. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of these influences and the depth of St. Denis's engagement with the Hindu philosophy and culture and the manner in which it impacted her work as an artist. Her three defining works, 'Radha', 'Incense' and 'Nautch' are studied closely to judge the authenticity of her influences