as one of the most famous exotic dancers of the early 20th century. While she was certainly a talented artist in her own right, she is at least as significant for the influence she would have on Graham and the next generation of dancers.
In 1908, GrahamÆs family moved from the drab industrial city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, were, in 1894, she was born, to Santa Barbara, California. The change in climate and attitude, combined with the first-hand exposure to the previously unknown cultures of her new Asian and Latino neighbors, nurtured a blossoming of creativity and intellectual curiosity in young Graham. She became fascinated with the exotic images of the Far East.
In 1911, while strolling down a street in Santa Barbara, the 17-year-old Graham spotted a poster advertising a dance concert to be given by Ruth St. Denis in Los Angeles. Graham was entranced by the poster with its image of the dancer dressed in an exotic eastern costume. She begged her father to let her see the performance. To her surprise and delight, he not only gave his permission but h
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