The Nature of Dance

"Chosen Virgin"

"Attendant"

William Bowne
Le Sacre du Printemps, August 5, 1937
Mixed media costume designs
Music Division

Costume designs are especially useful in documenting dance -- ephemeral by nature. These designs were created for American modern dance pioneer Lester Horton's (1906-1953) early master work, Le Sacre du Printemps. This work was premiered by Horton's company at an enormous outdoor venue, the Hollywood Bowl, where it was greeted with extreme reactions from the audience. These extraordinary items document Horton's approach to dance as a total theatrical experience and serve as valuable records of his contribution to American modern dance.