Merce Cunningham has been in inspiration to me for many, many years. This short video is an engaging synopsis of who he was, what he did, how he influenced the world around him. I highly recommend it.
MERCE CUNNINGHAM
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For 10 Weeks from the Winter Solstice, We Read.
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Winter Reading 2023 
Thank you for highlighting this video. I saw it in the Aeon newsletter, but would have overlooked it without your prompt. What an amazing artist. I am so glad to learn about Merce Cunningham. I’d love to know the story of how you came to know about him.
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Barbara, in answer, finally to your wondering –
I studied dance for a number of years, even though I came to it late. Mostly modern, but also ballet for technique and training and tap for fun. One couldn’t be involved in the dance world without knowing about Merce. And I had a particular teacher, for both technique and improv, who loved playing with chance choreography and improvisation. So, it was inevitable. : )
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Well, dang, JNaz. I went to ballet and tap classes from Age 5 to 13, but my teacher would never have done anything with chance. Your teacher sounds very cool. I got my love of music and, specifically, piano from dance class, where a wonderfully encouraging piano accompanist sat smiling and seemingly carefree while spinning out just the right music for every move.
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Oh Teri, yes! Those fabulous dance class accompanists. I still remember well two of my faves, one a lively pianist, the other a madman on the bongos.
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Bongos!! Well, I never.
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This video packs a lot of critical information in its 7 minutes, JNaz. I, too, have been amazed by Merce C. for such a long time, such a long time I can’t remember how long. The same with John Cage. What a revelation it was when I first discovered they were life partners! Just so: Cage and Cunningham.
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