DANCE - Introduction to techniques

Merce Cunningham (Cunningham Technique)

• Lived 1919 - 2009
• Cunningham's work is characterised by the belief that dance should not have to carry a message or tell a story - this is known as abstract.
• He was a soloist in Martha Graham's dance company.
• He believes that music and dance should be two separate things put together - music, dance and design all have an equal status and created separately.
• He likes the use of the spine (tilting, curving, tipping, arching and twisting).
• Ballet elements include the control and clarity of shape.
• There is a difficult co-ordination of arms, legs and head in relation to the placing of the torso.
• There is no front - all directions have the same significance and interest.

Jose Limon (Limon Technique)

• He studied with Doris Humphrey.
• Developed a theory through his study of dance which he referred to as fall and rebound, this became the basis of his technique.
• Gravity - Weighted.
• Stylistic features include, being completely active, swings, rebounds, suspension, fall and recovery, breath and flow as well as rhythmic awareness.