This series of three photographs were taken by Ibuka in 1925/26 while the Denishawn Dance Company was traveling in Asia, specifically at the Teikoku Gekijo (Imperial Theater) in Tokyo. These scenes break down as follows: "Lady Saint Denis of the Denishawn Dance Company by Akira Ibuka" (illustrated here); "Denishawn Dance Company"; and "'Denishawn Dance Company' Scene from Boston Fancy."
Ibuka’s storied career took off early. Born in 1903, he was discovered by Shinzo Fukuhara (today known as the father of modern Japanese photography, and President of Shiseido cosmetics company) when he was barely 20 years old. Ibuka went on to become Fukuhara’s protégé and work in many capacities for Shiseido, influencing the company’s design presence and contributing to many promotional campaigns. Later, Ibuka opened his own photographic firm (Ibuka Shashin Kenkyu-jo) and published his own photographic books on photo techniques. Almost all of his work was destroyed during the Second World War, hence it is extremely rare.
The Denishawn Dance Company was headed by its director and lead dancer, Ruth St. Denis (1879–1968). She has been credited with founding modern dance in America. St. Denis and husband Ted Shawn formed the Denishawn dance troupe and school in 1915, which stressed individuality and experimentation. Several prominent dancers, such as Martha Graham and Louise Brooks, got their start through Denishawn which disbanded in 1931."
See also "Soaring: The Diary and Letters of a Denishawn Dancer in the Far east, 1925–1926," by Denishawn dancer Jane Sherman (Wesleyan Univ. Press)Please contact the gallery for a quote on shipping and insurance costs. If applicable, residents of New York will be charged sales tax. International clients will be responsible for their VAT.