Sigurd Leeder – Traces of Dance

Although a fleeting form of art, dance often leaves behind its traces of experience that continue to exert an effect. The international dancer, teacher, and choreographer Sigurd Leeder (1902–1981) left a variety of such traces. He belonged to the reform movement of expressive dance; self-taught, through his own efforts he acquired his knowledge of movements that focus on expressiveness. Leeder regularly communicated and exchanged ideas with Rudolf von Laban, and together with Kurt Jooss devised a teaching method with unique dance études. The exhibition for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Sigurd Leeder School of Dance, based first in London, later in Herisau, uses photos, films, dance notations, and costumes to show the vibrant life in Leeder’s art and teaching. Current interpretations from several countries confirm its enduring topicality.