student blog

Reflecting on Merce Cunningham / Sarah C.

It has been almost two weeks since the Merce Cunningham Dance Company came to Iowa City, and yet almost every day in my ballet or modern classes, one of the teachers mentions their talent and strength. That’s the kind of impression I believe those dancers leave to any audience. Some dance companies leave an impression of beauty, passion, and grace. Others leave the audience with a story to remember. None of this is present in Cunningham’s work, and that was exactly how he wanted it. No emotion, no storyline, no presumed beauty; nothing but the movement, which was often created by chance. And that movement is extremely difficult, but the company dancers tackle it with pure strength and ease. They truly are some of the greatest dancers that I or any other audience member will see. Because of Cunningham’s use of chance choreography, he created some absolutely amazing techniques of dance that will be used (I believe) for hundreds of years to come. And those techniques created and will create some pretty talented dancers, to say the least. However, leaving the talent of the dancers aside, this show may not always be exciting to the non-dancer audience.

Cunningham was an extremely innovative individual, and because of that he is will be remembered as one of the greatest choreographers in dance history. As an artist and dancer, I respect and appreciate everything that Cunningham did; I am inspired by his work and I love watching the execution of his difficult movement by extremely talented dancers. However, for the common audience member who is maybe not a dancer or an artist in any way shape or form, this show may not be the most entertaining. I have been lucky enough to see the company perform at two different times, but to be completely honest, there were long moment during the performances where I found myself thinking about my homework, or friends, or my plans for the week to come. And to be frank, I was bored. 

This is not to say that I do not enjoy watching the company, for I love their skill and the movement. I simply don’t enjoy watching it for that amount of time. Let’s be honest, people watch a performance, or a movie, or read a book for the emotion that it possesses. Reading that book, or watching that movie made you laugh, or cry, or think about something you never had before. And that’s why you watched or read it. Cunningham purposely took all that away. (Which was obviously extremely unusual! But unusual or weird in the art world usually means that you are remembered). He said that if the audience member wanted to put a story, or emotion, or some type of meaning on his work, they were welcome to do so. He just never deliberately put any there.

Taking all of that emotion, or storyline away from a performance is extremely bold (and difficult), but that’s not to say that it is the most entertaining. Would you read a book that was composed of words, sentences, and passages that had been randomly picked and sorted from 1,000,000 different books, poems, billboards, newspapers, and magazines? Probably not. Cunningham’s work is a bit more complex than that, but the audience’s reaction is about the same. If you want to try and find a meaning or reason to the randomly sorted words, sentences, and passages, go for it! But that’s not to say that you will find any, for the reality is that the book is completely random!

To put it simply, I truly appreciate and respect everything that Cunningham did for the dance and art world. I believe anyone who gets the chance should go see the company before the end of their legacy tour. If nothing else, you will see some amazingly talented dancers. And maybe you will also admire and find value in Cunningham’s “unusual” and innovative take on dance.

—Sarah Carusona

Farewell Merce – You will forever be remembered / Melissa

 
In nearly 60 minutes, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company performed 60 years’ worth of legendary Cunningham technique and choreography. This historical, final tribute to Merce Cunningham’s renowned position in the dance world was nothing less than sensational. As a dancer, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the last production of one of the most iconic individuals in dance history. In all honesty, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect from this performance. Therefore, I decided to attend the performance with an open mind—which is certainly what Merce consistently encouraged his audience members to do. Because I have studied Merce Cunningham in some of my previous classes, I had somewhat of an idea of what the repertory would be like; however, with the MCDC on stage, no one can ever know what to expect.   

Tuesday night’s show was no ordinary dance performance. The MCDC yet again distinguished itself from all dance companies across the nation. Not many dance companies out there have the Director of Choreography perform alongside the other dancers or have live music inspired by a music legend, John Cage—one of Cunningham’s frequent collaborators. Even more out of the ordinary, no other dance company has attempted to gather 60 minutes worth of choreography and establish the order of which it is performed until the night of the show. Because this whole performance was ultimately left to chance, these dancers followed this criterion as closely and most distinctively as Merce would want it to be. Many of the audience members may have recognized the contrast between the dancers’ facial expressions and their movement. One dancer—Andrea Weber—smiled about half the time she was on stage, appearing as many would say, “not present,” or “in the moment.” As unprofessional this may seem to be for a dance company, Tuesday’s audience members seem to accept it and associate it with Cunningham’s “chance” method. For sixty years, many would attend MCDC performances and anticipate something refreshing and rare. I’d say that the standing ovation at the end of Tuesday’s performance certainly meant that the people of Iowa City recognized the company’s innovation.

Although I haven’t had the privilege of watching Merce on stage, I was able to recognize that every movement was derived from Merce’s incredible movement variations. The choreography was continuously filled with the most abstract lines, facings, and shapes that can only be seen through Cunningham technique. The MCDC members sustained the most controlled and elaborated quality of movement throughout the entire sixty minutes on stage. You would be kidding yourself if you didn’t recognize how impressive these dancers are.

Similar to many dance legends like Martha Graham, Isadora Duncan, Doris Humphrey, and Erick Hawkins, Merce Cunningham greatly contributed to the development of the most expressive art form in history, modern dance. Merce was extremely gifted in creating the most innovative works in modern dance and showing the world new ways to think. After experiencing my first and last MCDC performance, I feel inspired to follow the same approach to my dance technique and choreography. 

The MCDC may be near the end of their 60-years of performances, but Merce Cunningham and his company’s legacy will undoubtedly live on forever. 

—Melissa Carroll

can't wait

With only a few short weeks until the Merce Cunningham Dance Company performs in the Main Lounge of the Iowa Memorial Union, my anticipation builds. I am anxiously awaiting February 8th!  Because of its reputation for being a top presenter of dance, Hancher is honored to be included on the list for this legendary company’s final performance tour.  As a longtime fan of Cunningham’s work, I feel so privileged to get to see this company perform live!

The Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s influence spreads worldwide, greatly impacting and developing modern dance, choreographic processes for dance making, and music’s relationship to dance. This company is controversial, but also inspiring and intriguing, and for these reasons, plays a profound role in dance history.   After Cunningham’s death in 2009, talk of the company disbanding immediately was a real fear; however they have continued performing and restaging his works.  This achievement, as well as the achievement of the longevity of the company, will be celebrated in their final tour, The Legacy Tour.  This event is the show that I have been most enthusiastic to see out of all of Hancher’s delightful performances.  I can’t believe they will be here in less than a month!

—Kim

history happening/ intern pick by Melissa

Before I begin advocating for the shows that I cannot wait to see, I must note that Hancher has one heck of a season lined up for its audience members.   Each production contributes a distinct energy that lures me into setting a few extra dollars aside so I can guarantee my attendance at as many shows as I can venture to.  I probably should start putting that piggy bank back into use.

So, I guess this is the part when I say, “Come to every single show!”  Well, if you can’t seem to pencil in ALL of Hancher’s events, then I advise you to (at least) check out a few of the most exhilarating performances to emerge into the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.  

If you're extremely indecisive, like myself, you are probably overwhelmed at which shows you can make it to this year.  Well, let me shove you in the right direction in just a few short minutes...   

Let’s start out with my first recommendation: Merce Cunningham’s Legacy Tour.

I am not just making a suggestion to attend this performance, but also offering you an invitation to become a part of one of the most historical and memorable dance productions in the U.S.  As a person deeply passionate for dance, I assure you that Merce Cunningham is one of the most frequent names brought up in any intellectual conversation about dance history.  Despite Merce’s death a few years back, his innovative choreography style continues to be discussed in textbooks and inside studios all across the world.   

So why will this performance share a “historical” experience? Well, as it turns out, the Legacy Tour will be the last of Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s 60 year journey.  So, even if you just learned about Merce Cunningham and his company, you should definitely make the effort to come see for yourself the final chapters of Merce’s legendary moments.   

On a side note: To give you a better sense of the company’s founder and how the company originated, watch this great youtube clip!

You know where I’ll be on Tuesday, February 8—front row, dead center in the Iowa Memorial Union’s Main Lounge.  I hope to see you there (in the first row, but slightly off center seat)!

My second recommendation: Esperanza Spalding.

 

As I browsed through the season brochure, I remember arriving at Esperanza Spalding’s page and becoming fascinated by her amazing hairdo.   A moment later, I found myself reading the description.  A few moments after that, I found myself Googling her name and purchasing some of her songs on Itunes.  Don’t believe me? Currently playing: “Precious” by Esperanza Spalding.  

 

Besides her amazing fro, Esperanza Spalding has become known as a sensational artist in Jazz music and has captivated a wide array of audiences all across the country.   I’m not exactly an expert on Jazz music, but I can definitely say that her music incorporates both a fresh and traditional sound to it.  

 

You can easily find Esperanza’s work on Youtube.  Can you tell I love Youtube?  One video in particular ends with David Letterman telling the audience, “Esperanza Spalding, one of the best guests we’ve had on the show!”  Some may not be fond of Letterman, but Esperanza got her chance to be recognized on national television.  Good for you Esperanza!

 

So, come on over to the Englert Theatre on December 9 and witness for yourself the breathtaking music by Esperanza Spalding.

 

I hope in these last few minutes, you made the ultimate decision of purchasing the golden ticket to one of these shows.  Perhaps, I swayed you in a different direction of considering attending another Hancher event.  Anyways, thanks for reading folks!

—Melissa Carroll

 

most excited about: Merce / Kim

I can’t adequately express how phenomenal Hancher ‘s 2010-2011 Season will be.  As a dance major, Ballet West II’s show and residency will be a definite highlight of my year, yet I’m most excited for the Cunningham Company’s Legacy Tour.  The fact that I get to see this company live, blows my mind.  Especially after learning about Cunningham in dance history and being in class with a former Cunningham dancer, who is now a graduate student in Iowa’s Department of Dance, I have developed an appreciation for this company that I hope will only grow.

With the gushing about Cunningham out of the way, I am equally as amped about the wide array of musical acts, such as Papa Grows Funk and Take 6 to the Baroque Orchestra.   Making this music readily accessible on a college campus will hopefully get more students excited about talented live musicians beyond "night club jams."

I can’t finish this blog without expressing my anticipation for Fiddler on the Roof.  After spending the last few months in New York City, and seeing every possible Broadway production available, having a large scale musical in Iowa will be extraordinary.

I can confidently say that Hancher’s 2010-2011 Season will be anything but containable."

— Kim Chmielewsk

 

this reality tv thing is still happening, I promise / Rachael

I’ve been slacking on my “So You Think You Can Dance” reviews. I have good excuses, but let’s get real — nothing much happens in the first few episodes, right? Anyway, we’ll get down to a bit of a recap of this week’s episodes right after I gush about the best dance I’ve seen on the show yet.

The first real episode of the season (well, alright it wasn’t really real since it was a meet the dancers ep., but no matter) featured a piece choreographed by Travis Wall (a former SYTYCD contestant) to the song “Paris is Burning” by St. Vincent.

While the dancing (featuring contestants Lauren and Kent and all stars Mark and Kathryn) was modern-esque, the inspiration behind it was ‘20s night life in Paris. Really, the song couldn’t have been more perfect for that setting.

Here’s a little unnecessary background about me: I enjoy choreographing in my head. I know, I’m weird, especially when I start dancing down hallways pretending like I can actually translate the jumble of steps in my head. I can’t. Anyway, I typically do this only when I listen to U2 or classical tracks, but when I first heard “Paris is Burning” I found the fluctuations and stresses (and all of those other music words I don’t remember from my days playing violin) fit so well with choreography.

Obviously Wall’s was a million and a half times better than my pathetic head-choreography ever could be, but I flipped when I saw it, nonetheless. See for yourself. Ugh look at the lines, the fluidity, the partnering!

Alright, I’ll stop slobbering over choreography and move onto what happened this week. What did happen this week? I don’t even know. Three of the best performers ended up in the bottom for whatever reason (for those who don’t know, voters decide who gets into the bottom three and then they have to “dance for their lives” or whatever. America needs to get its crap together).

The three lowest were Cristina (the salsa dancer who ended up getting knocked off), Melinda (who wore some sweet pants…again…also her dance on Wednesday was a little weird ), and Robert (who I enjoy immensely, mostly because of his arms). I guess out of everyone, those may have been the best to end up at the bottom, but I thought Cristina killed it. The judges really didn’t have many bad things to say for the three of them, either, and did profess their shock at seeing where the votes left them.

Honestly, I didn’t find too much else worth of note this week, but I have to comment on how much I love the range of styles happening this season (it also helps that the contestants are paired up with all stars who always dance what they excel at). Jose (who is known for his break dancing skills) did an awesome Bollywood dance he totally rocked (bear with me, I can’t find the video anywhere), and there was also a featured krump dance, along with the typical jazz/modern/contemporary mix.

Also, throughout the jumble of genres featured each week on SYTYCD, I keep coming back to thoughts on the Merce Cunningham Dance Company which will be touring here as a part of Hancher’s next season, and is known for being very…outside the box, if you will. Anyway, I just wanted to bring that up for you all to muddle over a bit and try and make some connections on your own. But don’t worry, I’ll offer a full opinion of the link between Merce and SYTYCD very soon.

—Rachael Lander