Modern dance pioneer Ruth St. Denis, nee Ruth Dennis, was born on January 20, 1879 in Newark, New Jersey. Her training began as a child with the practice of physical exercises developed by Francois Delsarte. As a teenager, she appeared in Broadway musicals and was a protégé of David Belasco, a theatrical producer. She combined spirituality, eastern culture, and religion in her dance routines. Christian themes were also explored and depicted in her works.

Educator Ann Brewington was born July 22, 1889 in Clarence, Missouri, the eldest of three daughters born to Dr. George F. Brewington and Mrs. Rose Brewington (1866-1955). Her sister, Francis, was an registered nurse and a school nurse in Boulder City, Nevada for many years. Francis died in 1973. Brewington's other sister, Ida married Vail Pittman, later became governor of Nevada. Ida died in 1984. Ann taught business at the University of Chicago from 1923 until her retirement in 1954.