François Delsarte and Modern Dance: an encounter in physical expression

Abstract

This study addresses François Delsarte’s system of expression, known as Applied Aesthetics. It presents data related to François Delsarte’s career, such as personal and professional life and his theoretical background. It discusses the laws of gestural expression formulated by Delsarte – Trinity Law, the Law of Correspondence and the Nine Laws of Motion – as well as their dissemination and utilization in modern dance; this discussion mentions some pioneers of modern dance, such as Isadora Duncan, Ruth Saint Denis, Ted Shawn, Vaslav Nijinsky, Rudolf Laban and Mary Wigman.

Keywords

• François Delsarte
• Applied Aesthetics
• Delsartism
• Modern dance
• History of dance