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Merce Cunningham Dance Company is a group of fourteen dancers (seven women, seven men) who perform the works of Merce Cunningham, choreographer and artistic director, with the collaboration of contemporary musicians and visual artists. The activities of the company (rehearsals, performances, residencies, tours) are supported by the Cunningham Dance Foundation (Board of Directors, management, development staff, Archives, Merce Cunningham Studio) and by the generosity of government bodies, foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Four separate class levels, ranging from introduction to advanced, enable instructors to assign each student to the class level best suited to his or her own particular stage of development. At all levels the progress of each student is measured by the faculty; students progress at their own rate and advance accordingly with the permission of instructors. At each level, the technique exercises follow a similar format and stress the same principles. The work becomes increasingly demanding in terms of clarity of movement, strength, stamina and complexity.
Back Exercises is a class which teaches the fundamentals of the warm-up exercises, and the basic ideas of this technique. It is highly recommended for all dancers new to the Cunningham Studio.
Elementary level is for students new to the Studio who have had previous dance training. Students learn the exercises for the back, how to make changes of weight, and combinations of back positions and weight changes in moving phrases.
Intermediate level students learn more complex phrases. They are expected to have a strong sense of center and display clear shapes of movement.
Advanced level is a class which maintains dancers at a professional level of proficiency. It is designed for professionals from dance companies, including Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and for students who demonstrate the required strength and ability and is open to students by invitation only.
Students follow a course of study best suited to their needs and objectives by enrolling in one of the following: Open Program, Professional Training Program, or International Program. Students from each of the programs take classes together according to their level.
Class Policies
• All students must begin at the Elementary Level.
• Students advance with the permission of the instructors.
• Class observers are welcome at the permission of the registrar.
• Latecomers will not be admitted to class.
• Attire: bare feet/socks, leotard, tights & formfitting dancewear
• Classes are not transferable or refundable.
• Learn more in the Student Handbook