Merce Cunningham has changed the way dance is performed and has literally made his own style of dance. I care about Merce because in researching Merce I have learned about this unique way of choreographing. His use of “chance” choreography makes his works completely unpredictable and surprising for every performance. Merce’s interest is in what the body can do and how he can push the boundries of what the body can do.
The public should care about his legacy because MANY dancers have studied with him or have worked with his partner, John Cage. He has completely changed the way audiences view dance and was successful in his purpose performance. Taking emotionality out of dance takes a special kind of dancer to do onstage.
In 2000 Merce made a Legacy Plan. A copy of the plan can be downloaded on his company’s website. In his plan he quoted,
“My idea has always been to explore human physical movement,” said Cunningham. “I attempt to teach students and dancers about my technique, but in a way that allows room for individuality. I would like the Trust to continue doing this, because dancing is a process that never stops, and should not stop if it is to stay alive and fresh.”
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I think it is really amazing how much Merce has contributed to modern dance, American dance, and dance in general. He really is a pioneer and I feel like most modern dancers have some vein of lineage connected to him. It is sad that he is no longer with us but his life and contributions are so extensive as you have described. I personally can't even dream about having a career like Merce. The scale of his accomplishments are so huge!(especially since he performed and choreographed for so long. I can see that you have really taken a lot of time in researching Merce and being inspired him.
ReplyDeleteI really have been inspired by him. Having to do these blog posts is the reason why I have taken such an interest in him. I really want to do the summer intensive that his company offers, but I'm not sure if they'll be doing it next summer. (let's keep our fingers crossed!)
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