Abstract
The Dutch dancer Mata Hari (alias Margaretha Geertruida Zelle) has achieved an iconic status within twentieth-century dance history, partly due to her execution as a German spy in 1917. Although she lacked significant dance training, she successfully performed her works, primarily in eclectic oriental styles, before European audiences. My discussion considers Mata Hari's contributions against the backdrop of the pre–World War I European dance scene. It specifically explores the ideological and aesthetic framework within which she was embedded as a female artist in the context of related concurrent dance trends. Drawing on feminist theories, orientalism and postcolonialism (Edward Said), the paper examines how Mata Hari's on- and off-stage personae conformed to certain stereotyped images of women whilst also subverting social conventions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Congress on Research in Dance Conference Proceedings
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.