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Revealing Merce Cunningham’s creative processes as inspiration for today’s dancers and choreographers
In this book, former members of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company detail the technique classes, rehearsal procedures, and compositional approaches that defined Cunningham’s New York studio for more than sixty years. Through firsthand accounts supported by interviews and secondary sources, the authors reveal Cunningham’s creative process—how simple movement phrases introduced in class evolved into the intricate and striking dances that became his signature.
The Artistry of Merce Cunningham also offers creative prompts inspired by themes and motifs from Cunningham’s repertory, designed to spark ideas for choreographers and performance artists. It highlights how steady daily practice, curiosity, and experimentation can transform raw movement into complex works of art. By documenting Cunningham’s methods, Daniel Roberts and Karen Eliot provide inspiration for today’s dancers and choreographers as they navigate the materials, technologies, and artistic challenges of the twenty-first century.
Daniel Roberts
Daniel Roberts is a native New Yorker who attended the University of Pennsylvania, where the seeds were planted for his debut novel, Bar Maid. Roberts is the author of the plays Haunted House, which the New York Times called "Sparklingly original with characters that stick," and Brando, of which Time Out New York wrote: "An impressive piece of writing, recalling Edward Albee or John Guare." He lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.
More by Daniel Roberts
Karen Eliot
Karen Eliot, professor emerita at The Ohio State University, is the author of Albion's Dance: The British Ballet during the Second World War. She danced with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company from 1983 to 1988 and taught Cunningham technique for two decades.
More by Karen Eliot
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