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La Meri was one of the most versatile
and dedicated of the American born Ethnological dancers.
Was reported to have come from Texas, but it looks like
Kentucky.
La Meri's first tour was in Rio Grande Valley, Texas in
1923 and New York (1925) lead to an extensive lists of dates
as a featured performer. With the outbreak of war, La Meri
returned to New York and with Ruth St. Denis founded the
'School of Natya' in May of 1940 and in October of 1942,
she founded the 'School of Ethnologic Dance Center'.
La Meri created and recreated many Ethnic dances such as
the Chinese, Hindu, Burmese, Polynesian, Indian, Moroccan,
Spanish, Guaba's Journey to Paradise, En Mai Hawaiinuikea,
Hymns and Spirituals, El Amor Brujo etc. and Latin-American
etc. Is said to have coined the term Ethnic dance.
La Meri's professional training was Spanish and Mexican
(1913-1920), Hawaiian in Hawaii in 1922, Ballet with Tomaroff
and Tarasoff in 1922-25, Modern with
Michito Ito in New York (1925), Plus many teachers throughout
the world from 1926-1939.
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