The Place Theatre
Bedford
7.30pm Thursday, May 11 2023
Isadora Duncan was a legendary dancer who transformed the dance world with her ground breaking expressive style.
Passionate, unconventional and inspirational, she was once described by the New York Times as “the most famous American in Europe.” She shocked audiences by dancing barefoot and barelegged and once danced with cut and bleeding feet when rival ballet dancers (whose style she had criticised) put tacks on her stage.
Writer, performer and choreographer Elizabeth Blake gives an insight into her extraordinary and dramatic life and her inspirational art.
Effortlessly blending drama, dance and narration, the show includes reimagined excerpts of some of Isadora’s iconic dances and features music by Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Schubert.
Widely known as the mother of Modern Dance, Isadora’s legacy is still very relevant today – she raised the importance of dance to a life enhancing art form, she took much of her inspiration from nature and she encouraged people to follow their own path rather than merely imitating others.
“ Blake vividly conjures up the world of the tempestuous, passionate, tragic, and glorious life of her subject . . a gem of a performance and a fine introduction to the origins of so much of the dance work seen today.” (Jonathan Burnett, Dance Animateur, Dance Base Edinburgh)
“A moving and thoughtful piece by one who really knows their subject. Elizabeth Blake is a lovely dancer . . . I was quite swept away.” (Fringe Review)
“Beautiful and inspiring” (Trowbridge Town Hall Arts)
Isadorable ! Podcast available at www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/podcast
For further details contact Phoenix Associate Artist Elizabeth Blake at ebchoreo@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/idancewhatiam
