Remembering Merce

I studied at the Cunningham Studio from 1997-99. I had just finished my BA in Dance at the University of Massachusetts and was looking for a new challenge. Cunningham technique is rigorous and helped me strengthen my body. Yet we were a mismatch.

I struggled to fit the defined lines of Cunningham Technique, just as I had struggled to fit the defined lines of ballet in college. I see value in this struggle: my body grew stronger and more disciplined. I was never particularly good at it, however. At the same time, I began itching for the loose, sprawling revelry of contact improvisation, my first love in dance. I started to study Aikido as a way to get back in touch with the floor.

I don't regret the good, hard work I did at the Cunningham Studio, and I have tremendous respect for anyone who managed to succeed at the training. I never finished the progression there, but I took many great classes.

I only met Merce once--and only informally. I was the men's room at the studio when he happened to step up to the urinal next to mine. Rather old by then, he made his way through the room slowly, taking baby steps. Nevertheless, he finished before me. I froze up in the presence of greatness. He nodded once as he flushed and I tried not to stare as he trudged back out again.