What is Eurythmy?

Eurythmy was started at the turn of this century by the Austrian philosopher, Rudolf Steiner.  He was asked by one of his pupils about a new form of dance movement just about the same time that many new things in the dance world began to happen.  Isadora Duncan had shocked the theater world by her free form of movement based on Greek styles.  Ruth St. Denis, Martha Graham, Mary Wilgman were all breaking new ground. People were looking for new kinds of expression beyond classical ballet. Rudolf Steiner suggested movements that follow the patterns of spoken speech sounds and musical tones.  For example, the eurythmy gesture for "B" follows the movement made by "B" in the breath stream.  The discovery that sounds produced patterns had already been made by the scientist Chladni with his famous Chladni plates.

What does eurythmy look like?

The eurythmist, a man or woman, wears silk veils that enhance the gestures of the flowing arms.  "B", for example, becomes a much larger gesture when the veils move with it.  One is struck by the use of vivid colors.  The silk gowns or loose pants are carefully coordinated with the large silk veils.  The choice of colors is based on the mood of the piece to be performed.  In the Overture to the Herbrides by Mendlesohn, the stage is filled with 12 to 20 dancers in beautifully modulated shades of blue and green.  Sometimes, for instance in the performance of a fairy tale, the silk veils are shortened and draped, head pieces are added, tights are used to give a more costumed effect.  The movements can be very quick and dynamic, but the general impression is of flowing movement.