Today I wanted to talk about the dancer and technological innovator, Loïe Fuller and to delve into both her scientific work and the behind-the-scenes study that contributed to her pioneering performances.
Loïe was ‘la fée lumière’ – a dancer known for her signature ‘skirt dancing’ and experimentations with concealed electric lights which she used to illuminate her flowing dresses in time to the music.
By the 1890s she was the most famous dancer in the world. Her image adorned illustrations and advertisements. Toulouse-Lautrec captured her image in a print inspired by her appearance at Folies Bergère. There were Loïe Fuller cocktails, blouses, belts, bonnets and shoes.
Her every performance was greeted with great public interest but in particular it was the choreography for her 1895 ‘Fire Dance’ entranced audiences around the world. You can see an example of it from dancer Jessica Lindberg in 2019 here
But Loïe was not only interested in developing stage technology but also the effects she could create with the actual fabric worn in her voluminous costumes.
Chiefly she wanted to make her dresses glow in the dark.
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