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Ted Shawn (1891-1972) was a key figure, and the only male figure, in the founding period of modern dance. With his wife, Ruth St. Denis, he was half of the production company "Denishawn". He and St. Denis were married more than 50 years, though only lived together for 14. They danced on their 50th anniversary at the Casino in Saratoga Springs, New York. Saratoga Springs is now the home of the National Museum of Dance, the world's only museum dedicated to professional dance. Shawn appeared in the classic films Intolerance in 1916 and Don't Change Your Husband in 1919. Shawn's dance retreat in Becket, Massachusetts, became the renowned Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. The following quote is attributed to Ted Shawn: "I believe that dance communicates man’s deepest, highest and most truly spiritual thoughts and emotions far better than words, spoken or written."
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