Antic meet

Definition

An antic meet refers to a form of theatrical and dance performance characterized by playful and exaggerated movements, often seen as humorous or whimsical. This concept connects closely with the innovative works of choreographer Merce Cunningham, who embraced the element of chance in his dance compositions, allowing for unexpected and spontaneous interactions between dancers and their environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antic meet performances often highlight the absurdity and playfulness in movement, which can lead to engaging audience reactions.
2. Cunningham's use of antic meet allowed dancers to explore unexpected interactions, showcasing their individuality while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the performance.
3. The concept encourages a break from conventional narratives in dance, focusing instead on the beauty of movement itself.
4. Cunningham’s incorporation of chance procedures into antic meet performances challenged traditional ideas about choreography, redefining what could be considered dance.
5. Through antic meet, Cunningham's works opened doors for future generations of dancers to experiment with humor and spontaneity in their own performances.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of antic meet influence the choreography styles employed by Merce Cunningham?
  • The concept of antic meet greatly influenced Merce Cunningham's choreography by emphasizing playful and exaggerated movements, which allowed for a more spontaneous and lighthearted approach to dance. By incorporating elements of chance into his work, Cunningham enabled dancers to express individuality while interacting in unexpected ways. This not only created an engaging visual experience but also encouraged audiences to appreciate movement for its own sake rather than as part of a larger narrative.
• Discuss how antic meet serves as a reflection of postmodern dance principles within Merce Cunningham's body of work.
  • Antic meet serves as a reflection of postmodern dance principles by breaking away from traditional storytelling methods and focusing instead on the freedom and playfulness inherent in movement. Within Cunningham's body of work, antic meet showcases how he embraced improvisation and everyday movements, allowing dancers to explore their creativity without the constraints of conventional techniques. This aligns with postmodern ideals that prioritize individual expression and redefine the purpose and presentation of dance.
• Evaluate the impact of antic meet on contemporary dance practices and its relevance in today's performances.
  • Antic meet has had a significant impact on contemporary dance practices by encouraging choreographers and dancers to prioritize spontaneity, humor, and individuality in their work. The playful nature of antic meet invites artists to break free from rigid structures and explore new forms of expression, fostering a more inclusive environment for experimentation. Today, many performers draw inspiration from this concept, creating works that challenge traditional expectations and resonate with diverse audiences through engaging movements that embrace absurdity and surprise.

Related terms

Merce Cunningham: A groundbreaking American choreographer known for his unique approach to dance that emphasized chance procedures and the independence of movement from music.

Chance Method: A technique developed by Cunningham that involves using random processes to determine aspects of choreography, leading to unpredictable and novel performances.

Postmodern Dance: A style of dance that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by a departure from traditional dance techniques and a focus on improvisation, everyday movements, and new forms of expression.