 Mansfield also studied the Delsarte technique as well as the Gilbert method.Perry-Mansfield became an important part of the physical education movement in the early 20th century, as it was one of the few places where women could study dance and return to their own programs prepared to teach physical education.Notable alumni and faculty of the school include Julie Harris, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, José Limón, Hanya Holm, Valerie Bettis, Merce Cunningham, Louis Horst, Agnes de Mille, Martha Clarke, Jessica Biel, Dustin Hoffman, and Ruthana Boris.