Blog 1 – A reflection of Choreographic Tasks/Processes

During week three of our training, we focused on Merce Cunningham and his unique approach to choreography. The presentation was mostly video based, and it broke down Cunningham’s different techniques when it came to the creative process. Given this opportunity, to have an insight on his course of thought, I was able to begin my own journey of creativity.

He was recognised for the precision and complexity of his movements, and he focused on pushing the boundaries of the dance industry to turn his creative compositions into very physically expressive pieces of art. What made him stand out even more, was how he found a way to bring together different branches of performing arts and technology, while also keeping them independent from each other during a performance. This brought on a whole new genre of dance expression, inspiring artist all over the world to this very day. (Merce Cunningham Trust, no date)

We later got separated into small groups, and our task was to use the Chance Method by Merce Cunningham to start choreographing our dance. We were all given six words, and each group had some time to associate each word with a number from one to six. We then used a random number generator to present us with four numbers (the same number could be repeated) and keeping them in the same order that they were called out in, we formed a series of instructions. After working on this for a while, we repeated this process another two times with different words. By the end of this task, we were able to choreograph several counts of choreography. At some point we flipped a coin to determine whether we had to reverse a part of it.

This task gave us an idea of what choreographing a solo in a group will be like. As we progress with our choreography, I believe an issue we might face is communication amongst the group members, as I think that it’s equally difficult and helpful having four people in a group with completely different styles. Thus, being open and honest with each other about what we like, and dislike, is very important.

 =>Using the Chance Method:

First Section:           Second Section:                         Third Section:
- Turn (6)                 - Repetition (6)                          - Direction (1)
- Travel (2)              - Question and Answer (2)      - Pathways (2)
- Travel (2)              - Canon (4)                                 - General space (6)
- Balance (5)            - Repetition (6)                          - Size (4)
 

(Merce Cunningham 

conducting John Cage's Concert 

for Piano and Orchestra, 1958)

Word Count:399

Bibliography:

Merce Cunningham (no date) Merce Cunningham Trust. Available at: https://www.mercecunningham.org/about/merce-cunningham/ (Accessed: October 2, 2022).

Merce Cunningham conducting John Cage's Concert for Piano and Orchestra, 1958, Merce Cunningham Trust, Available at: https://www.mercecunningham.org/images/MerceCunningham_4a.jpg (Accessed: October 2, 2022).