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Birth
Merce Cunningham was born in Centralia, Washington. -
Childhood
During his childhood in the 1930's he studied both ballroom dance and tap. -
Education
He attended the Cornish School of Fine Arts for 2 years. He began as a theater major but soon changed to dance. This is where he choreographed his first pieces -
Martha Graham Dance Company
He spent several years with this group, performing as the lead in many productions like El Penitente in 1939 and Appalachian Spring in 1944. -
Merce Cunningham Dance Company
He started his own dance company where he created many solo pieces with him as the dancer. He then began choreographing for others as well. -
His Style
With the creation of his own company, he was able to explore more of his own style. He emphasized lines and overall shape, which made his type of dance resemble ballet from the surface. -
Composer's Opinion
Famous composer, Morton Feldman explained Cunningham's style in a great quote: "Suppose your daughter is getting married and her wedding dress won't be ready until the morning of the wedding, but it's by Dior." -
World Tour
He went on his first International Tour during this year. One of his biggest shows was in London -
Dance in film
Beginning in the 1970's, Cunningham began to explore dance in film. He began to use the computer to assist him in choreography -
Capezio Award
During his career, he won many awards, including this one in New York, NY. -
National Medal of Arts
He was given this award in Washington, DC. -
Hall of Fame
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs, NY. -
"Four Events That Led to Large Discoveries"
Throughout his career, he often wrote about his inspiration. This publication was written to explain the principles that shaped his work. -
Monday's with Merce
Expanding on his love for technology, he began a webcast series that provided an inside look at his dance company, rehearsals, and interviews. -
Always Innovative
Even in his 80's, Cunningham was always interested in bettering his last work. He was forever considered innovative and revolutionary -
Death
Cunningham passed away from natural causes in New York, New York at the age of 90.
