Merce Cunningham

Born:

April 16, 1919, Centralia, Washington, USA

Died:

July 26, 2009, New York City, New York, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director

Early Life and Education

• Began dance training at age 12 with Carolyn Bryant.
• Attended Cornish School in Seattle.
• Joined Martha Graham's dance company in 1939.

Career and Major Achievements

• Established the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in 1953.
• Developed a choreographic method using chance procedures, often incorporating coin tosses or the I Ching.
• Collaborated extensively with composer John Cage, his lifelong partner.
• Pioneered the use of computer software for dance creation.
• His works challenged traditional notions of narrative, musical accompaniment, and theatrical presentation in dance.

Notable Works

• Summerspace (1958)
• RainForest (1968)
• Biped (1999)
• Ocean (1994)

Legacy and Impact

Merce Cunningham revolutionized modern dance through his use of chance operations, challenging conventional narratives and musical accompaniment. His collaborations with John Cage and others fostered a new approach to dance performance, and his company trained generations of influential dancers and choreographers. This biography on Merce Cunningham demonstrates his enduring impact on contemporary art.

Awards and Recognition

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