Brown has made a huge impact on present day modern dance. From being one of the first artists to breakthrough postmodern dance, and transform into a well-established, respected company almost 40 years later has been inspiration for many artists, not just dance. She uses common movements from everyday life, with the athleticism of her dancers, and a mixture of all types of art in order to create her pieces. What is just as impressive is that, "at 68 she still dances her own choreography with fluent control" and does not look at age as a constraint. Even though her dance has evolved, she still performs some of the same repertory and takes from past pieces for inspiration.
She had received teachings from John Cage and even some music. In many ways, she is similar to Merce Cunningham in the ways the use the physicality of the body, technology experiments and a look of expression, "always shying away from moments that might turn into drama". Notice the similarities with color, costume and technology.
Merce Cunningham piece
Trisha Brown piece
Merce Cunningham piece
Trisha Brown piece
I never thought about it, but this post made me see how similar Trisha Brown is to Merce Cunningham in many of her philosophies. I love how they both push the boundaries of what can be considered "dance". Brown thought that every-day pedestrian, and I think that is such a fascinating concept to explore. It's something that I have not seen much of, whether in a concert dance setting or as a site specific work. I would have loved to see her site specific works about the architecture of New York City.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a nice obsevation how you noticed the similaries in color, costume, and technology. It's also well noted that even in her older age of 68 she is able to perform with no incling of difficulty, which can inspire many dancers to continue performing thoughout life.
ReplyDeleteWhats funny is Trisha Brown reminds me of Martha Graham because of the dancing at old age. Its amazing that we have people who really just want to continue the legacy of modern dance and dont care about the recognition. It was also amazing how you made the comparisons between Trisha Brown and Merce Cunningham. Great Observation!
ReplyDeleteThis really opened my eyes to see the distinct realtionship and similarity between Trisha Brown and Merce Cunningham. The images/pictures you chose were incredible. They made a powerful statement to me and gave a wonderful visual as to how much Merce Cunningham and Trisha Brown's works were similar to one another. The part about Trisha Brown perform her choreography at the age of 68, in her older age, does remind me of our discussion in class about Martha Graham. She too performed in her old age as well and this made me think of her.
ReplyDelete