The Dryad
Theatre Costume
1915 (made)
1915 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This costume was worn by Adeline Genée as the Dryad in the ballet of the same name, when it was presented in 1915. The Dryad, choreographed by Genée, was first staged in 1907, and the original costume featured elaborate drapery. The later version was influenced by costumes worn by Anna Pavlova and the dancers of Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and was much simpler.
The ballet, composed by Dora Bright, is the story of a nymph trapped in an oak tree, who is only released once every ten years. She falls in love with a shepherd but has to return to her prison. When she is released again, a decade later, she discovers that he has been unfaithful. The Dryad is typical of the small-scale ballets for dancer and vocalist that were popular in the early 20th century.
The ballet, composed by Dora Bright, is the story of a nymph trapped in an oak tree, who is only released once every ten years. She falls in love with a shepherd but has to return to her prison. When she is released again, a decade later, she discovers that he has been unfaithful. The Dryad is typical of the small-scale ballets for dancer and vocalist that were popular in the early 20th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Dryad (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Silk, silk velvet, cotton sateen, metal fastenings and elastic |
| Brief description | Revised costume worn by Adeline Genée as the Dryad in The Dryad, 1915 |
| Physical description | Costume for the Dryad worn by Adeline Genée in The Dryad. White long ballet dress with full sleeves gathered above the elbow, white flowers at the bust of the low cut top, a broad sash around the waist and drapery falling from the back. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Unique |
| Gallery label | Genée's original 1907 costume for The Dryad, shown in the photograph, featured elaborate drapery and conformed to the style of dress of the Edwardian period. In the 1910s, under the influence of costumes worn by Anna Pavlova and the dancers of Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, the 'Greek-style' tunic became much simpler. The branch with oak leaves helps to identify the character. In Greek mythology a dryad was a nymph of an oak tree.
(26/10/2020) |
| Credit line | Given by the Royal Academy of Dance |
| Object history | Costume for The Dryad, revised in 1915. The ballet was first presented at the Playhouse Theatre, London, on 25 March 1907. The choreography was by Adeline Genée, and the music was composed by Dora Bright. |
| Production | Reason For Production: Commission |
| Association | |
| Literary reference | The Dryad |
| Summary | This costume was worn by Adeline Genée as the Dryad in the ballet of the same name, when it was presented in 1915. The Dryad, choreographed by Genée, was first staged in 1907, and the original costume featured elaborate drapery. The later version was influenced by costumes worn by Anna Pavlova and the dancers of Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and was much simpler. The ballet, composed by Dora Bright, is the story of a nymph trapped in an oak tree, who is only released once every ten years. She falls in love with a shepherd but has to return to her prison. When she is released again, a decade later, she discovers that he has been unfaithful. The Dryad is typical of the small-scale ballets for dancer and vocalist that were popular in the early 20th century. |
| Associated object | |
| Bibliographic reference | Dyer, Philip. Adeline Genee: Centenary Exhibition Catalogue, London : Royal Academy of Dancing, 1978
103 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.1450-1982 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | October 19, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
