Brilliant Exile: Isadora Duncan in Paris

Word Dance Theater, in collaboration with The National Portrait Gallery and Villa Albertine, proudly presentedBrilliant Exile: Isadora Duncan in Paris. This sold-out performance premiered on Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 PM EST at La Maison Française – Embassy of France.

Audiences experienced an unforgettable evening featuring dance masterpieces choreographed by Isadora Duncan, vibrantly brought to life by the award-winning Word Dance Theater and the internationally acclaimed Isadora Duncan International Institute. It was an evening of spellbinding and timeless Duncan dances, accompanied live by masterful pianist Carlos César Rodríguez.

About the Dance Performance:
In the early 20th century, many ambitious, unconventional American women—such as Isadora Duncan—made their wayto Paris. These “Brilliant Exiles” challenged prevailing conceptions of female identity and redefined the image of modern womanhood. Themes such as the autonomy and liberation of the female body, female identity and creative expression, art influenced by nature, and the metaphysical in art were central to their work.

Word Dance Theater offered a unique insight into Isadora Duncan’s choreography from this period through an evening of dance, music, and historical commentary. Word Dance Theater was joined by the brilliant Duncan dancers Jeanne Bresciani and Rosemary Cooper of the Isadora Duncan International Institute (www.idii.org) in bringing to life the masterworks of Isadora Duncan.

““Brilliant Exile: Isadora Duncan in Paris" by Word Dance Theater at La Maison Française in December 2023 was a mesmerizing tribute to the legendary dancer, weaving together her iconic choreographies with heartfelt storytelling. Performed by talented dancers and accompanied by the evocative piano playing of Carlos César Rodríguez, the show transported the audience and made an incredible connection with the exhibition Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris 1900-1939 at The National Portrait Gallery, including an introduction by its curator Robyn Asleson. Word Dance Theater left the audience inspired and deeply moved by the enduring power of Isadora Duncan's legacy. Villa Albertine DC is honored to present such dance programming in its premises."

-Yann Le Merdy, Deputy Cultural Attache, Embassy of France

Pictures and video by: Shannon Briane

The Production Team:

Concept: Cynthia Word
Composition: by Frederic Chopin
Choreography: by Isadora Duncan as re-staged by Jeanne Bresciani, Director, The Isadora Duncan International Institute
Light: Olivier Dupeyron
Music: Maestro Carlos Ceasar Rodriguez

The Dancers:

Dancers: Cynthia Word, Jeanne Bresciani, Vanessa Carmichael, Rosemary Cooper, and Jenifer Golden.