Genevieve Stebbins

Genevieve Stebbins (March 7, 1857 – September 21, 1934) was an American author, teacher of her system of Harmonic Gymnastics and performer of the Delsarte system of expression. She published four books and was the founder of the New York School of Expression.

Early years Genevieve Stebbins was born on March 7, 1857, in San Francisco, California, to James Cole Stebbins and Henrietta Smith. Her mother died when she was two years old. As a young child she always loved to dance and perform.

Stebbins embodied her method in several books including, Delsarte System of Expression, Society Gymnastics and Voice Culture, Dynamic Breathing and Harmonic Gymnastics, Genevieve Stebbins' System of Physical Training. She completed a new edition of her first work, The Delsarte System of Expression (New York: E. S. Werner Publishing Company), with a second part consisting of lectures and added instruction, illustrated by thirty-two pictures of statues.

Influence

Stebbins's work created more opportunities for late nineteenth-century American women to engage in physical culture and expression, especially in the realm of dance. She provided the means, rationale, and model for what could be accepted as the appropriate practices for middle-class women. Her work in the Delsarte system facilitated the new "modern dance" which would develop in the United States and Europe in the twentieth century.

Personal life Stebbins was married to Joseph A. Thompson from 1888 until she divorced him in 1892. Stebbins was remarried to Norman Astley, a journalist, in April 1892. There is no record of Stebbins having children from either marriage.

Selected works

Drills: Appendix to Society Delsarte System of Dramatic Expression, 1886 Society gymnastics and voice-culture Adapted from the Delsarte System. 6th ed., 1888 The New York School of Expression, 1893 Dynamic Breathing and Harmonic Gymnastics: A Complete System of Psychical, Aesthetic and Physical Culture, 1893 The eve of marriage; monologue for a lady, 1895 Appendix to Society gymnastics, containing 1. Eastern temple drill, 2. Energizing dramatic drill, 3. Minuet fan drill, 4. An æsthetic drill., 1895 Genevieve Stebbins's drills, 1895 Delsartian aesthetic drills, 1913 The Genevieve Stebbins System of Physical Training, 1913 The Quest of the Spirit. By a Pilgrim of the Way. Edited and arranged by G. Stebbins., 1913