Ballets By Ted Shawn - Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers

Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers

Although Denishawn came to an end in 1929 because of tough circumstances both in Shawn’s and St. Denis’ marriage as well as the economy, Shawn’s second dance group, Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers, were soon to follow in his dancing career. The new all-male company was based on a woodland farm near Lee, Massachusetts. In creating this company Shawn was hoping to make American audiences realize the importance and dedication of the male dancer along with his role in the arts. With this new company, Shawn produced some of his most controversial and highly skilled choreography to date.

With works such as Ponca Indian Dance, Sinhalese Devil Dance, Maori War Haka, Hopi Indian Eagle Dance, and Dyak Spear Dances he was able to showcase performances that all stressed masculine body movement. His love for the relationships created by the men in his dances soon translated into love between himself and one of his company members, Barton Mumaw (1912-2001), which lasted from 1931 to 1948. Later, he formed another partnership with John Christian, with whom he stayed from 1949 until his death in 1972.