This month, audiences can stream The Revolutionary on the Planet Classroom Network.
Directed and performed by Lori Belilove, this iconic dance by Isadora Duncan was inspired by the 1905 Bloody Sunday Massacre. Through emotive choreography, the film embodies resilience, revolution, and defiance. Lori Belilove, internationally celebrated as the foremost authority on Duncan’s artistry, is renowned for her direct lineage to Duncan’s legacy and her unmatched ability to convey the grace, power, and mastery of authentic Duncan technique.
Lori Belilove’s prestigious performing career has earned her an international reputation as the premier interpreter of Isadora Duncan’s artistry. As a third-generation Duncan dancer, Belilove carries the direct lineage of Duncan’s legacy, embodying her grace, power, and mastery of movement.
The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Lori Belilove.
Lori, as a third-generation Duncan dancer and direct inheritor of Isadora Duncan’s artistry, what personal connection do you feel to The Revolutionary, and how does it resonate with your own journey in dance?
When I first witnessed one of my teachers performing the work, I said, “I think I have a voice and the power within me to take that dance on and give it fullness of meaning, power, and life.” The skeleton of the choreography exists, but the essence of the delivery lies in how you perform it.
The dance requires being vibrantly present, channeling an internal fury into the choreography while maintaining control over the emotion. It’s a deeply challenging piece that tests every technical and emotive skill I have. Over time, I’ve refined my interpretation to balance explosive power with a more contained, resonant energy, ensuring each movement conveys the story’s depth and significance.
Isadora Duncan created The Revolutionary during a period of significant social and political upheaval. How do you adapt this dance to reflect contemporary struggles while maintaining its original intent and power?
This dance is a universal humanistic expression, created as an ode to the oppressed and downtrodden. Isadora was inspired by witnessing the tragic cortège following the 1905 massacre in St. Petersburg—a memory she carried for years before channeling it into choreography.
Today, The Revolutionary continues to resonate because the struggles for freedom and justice are timeless. Each performance reflects the contemporary moment, drawing on the energy of current social and political upheavals. It’s a rallying cry, a physical expression of defiance and resilience, and I hope it inspires courage and determination in today’s audiences.
How was it to dance The Revolutionary at different points in your life? What has changed in your approach and understanding of the piece?
At 21, I was driven by sheer physicality and raw emotion, but over time, I’ve learned to channel the dance’s energy with greater nuance. I now focus on internal vibration and controlled power, ensuring every movement is purposeful and impactful.
Self-critique and watching my performances on video have helped refine my technique, particularly in finding the balance between explosive motions and moments of restraint. Teaching the dance has also deepened my understanding, allowing me to pass down the intricacies of its movements and meaning to a new generation of dancers.
Through your work as a performer, teacher, and director, what role do you see The Revolutionary playing in shaping the perspectives of today’s students and audiences, especially in an ever-changing global landscape?
The Revolutionary speaks to the universal human desire for justice and freedom. Its accessibility lies in its directness—red is red, revolution is revolution.
When I dance this piece, I feel androgynous, embodying a pure expression of human struggle and defiance. This has helped me teach the work to both men and women, focusing on the shared humanity within the movements.
For students, the greatest reward is when they internalize the dance, moving beyond technique to embrace its raw, powerful essence. This work challenges dancers and audiences alike to reflect on their own courage and commitment to living fully and authentically.
Thank You, Lori!
C. M. Rubin with Lori Belilove
Don’t miss The Revolutionary, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by the Isadora Duncan Dance Company for Planet Classroom.
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A Revolutionary Dance: Film Review
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The Global Search for Education: The Vital Role of Art in Personal Growth: Eshaan Mani on Cultural Identity
The Global Search for Education: Climate Activist Samaira Malik Interviews Nikita Baliarsingh
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