The contribution of the eastern culture and visual arts on the emergence of the modern dance within the context of Ruth st. Denis

In this thesis, the contribution of the Far-Eastern culture and visual arts to the birth of the modern dance which is an authentic form emerging at the beginning of the 20l century is questioned within the artistic practice of Ruth St. Denis. With this purpose, Far-Eastern culture and visual arts have been examined taking into consideration the structure and characteristics of the societies which they were born in and flourished. Within the process, it has also been conveyed how the Western World viewed the Far-Eastern culture and visual arts. Demonstrating the influences of the Far-Eastern culture and visual arts on the artistic production of Ruth St. Denis required the structure in which the modern dance developed to be examined as well. As a part of the historical avant-garde movement arising under the influence of the modernism within the Western society at the beginning of the 20th century, modern dance has been studied by demonstrating the Orientalism and Colonialism practices which constitute the factors causing its emergence and historical background. The Orientalist passion which reached its peak in the West at the beginning of the 20th century plays an important role in the development of the artistic practice and spiritual personality of Ruth St. Denis. The influences of the Far-East on St. Denis who is the forerunner of a new movement form developed in relation with the aforementioned is emphasized. As a result, studying the choreographic works of Ruth St. Denis who is one of the historical forerunners of the modern dance, it has been seen that Far-Eastern culture and visual arts have contributed to the emergence of the modern dance when the usage of movement, form and image is taken into consideration. Key Words: Ruth St. Denis, modern dance, Far-East, East-West, Orientalism,