MERCE CUNNINGHAM: MONDAYS WITH MERCE #14: MERCE AS MODEL, WITH GUS SOLOMONS, JR.

Choreographer, dancer, writer—the multifaceted Gus Solomons, Jr. talks about leaving Martha Graham to dance for Merce Cunningham, explicates the Cunningham work process and method, and discusses Merce as a model for perseverance in performance. Also featuring Sandra Neels, his dancing partner in the company, with archival footage of Cunningham coaching them in "Scramble" (1967). In addition, see Cunningham and Solomons in excerpts from RainForest (1968), with decor by Andy Warhol. We open the episode with Merce himself discussing Martha Graham, with film of her solo in "Frontier" (1935), and conclude with current film of Solomons, the artistic director of the Paradigm Dance Ensemble, in a solo by Wally Cardona. MERCE CUNNINGHAM (1919-2009) was a leader of the American avant-garde throughout his seventy year career and is considered one of the most important choreographers of his time. Through much of his life, he was also one of the greatest American dancers. With an artistic career distinguished by constant innovation, Cunningham expanded the frontiers not only of dance, but also of contemporary visual and performing arts. Many opportunities to learn more about Merce Cunningham and his choreographic work are available starting right here with the Merce Cunningham Trust YouTube Channel. If you are a fan of modern dance, John Cage, modernism, or the avant-garde, please subscribe:    / mercecun.  . And don’t forget to like this video and comment below! For the most up to date information on live performances of Cunningham choreographies, talks, films, and other events, go to the Merce Cunningham Trust calendar: https://www.mercecunningham.org/activ... For in depth previews of the works of Merce Cunningham, check out our Dance Capsules: https://www.mercecunningham.org/the-w... Interested in reading more about Merce Cunningham and modernism? Check out our Cunningham Scholar in Residence, Nancy Dalva: https://cunninghamcentennial.blog/ To connect with the Merce Cunningham Trust: Follow us on Instagram:   / mercetrust   Like us on Facebook:   / mercecunning.  . Follow us on Twitter:   / mercetrust   Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/mercecunninghamtrust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRKR... © Merce Cunningham Trust, all rights reserved.