For most arts, the actual historical dates of their birth are unknown, though we can usually distinguish significant changes in the directions they take. By contrast, the beginning and establishment of eurythmy as a new art of movement has been documented extensively. The story of the first eurythmist, Lory Maier-Smits, is told in the pages of this profusely illustrated book. How the New Art of Eurythmy Began provides a valuable contribution to that legacy, bringing to life the pioneering period when eurythmy was being developed under Rudolf Steiner's personal instruction and guidance.

Magdalene Siegloch traces Lory Maier-Smits' biography with loving care and detail. She describes the eurythmist's early exposure to Anthroposophy, her training under Steiner beginning in 1912, the first performance of eurythmy during the Theosophical Society festival in 1913, Steiner's lectures on eurythmy, the staging of eurythmy under the direction of Marie Steiner, and Maier-Smits' later work as a eurythmy teacher. The author also gives an account of Maier-Smits' personal path of development, as well as her marriage and family life.