Movement as an event

Definition

Movement as an event refers to the idea that dance and movement can exist independently as experiences, rather than just being a means to convey a narrative or emotion. This concept shifts the focus from traditional storytelling through dance to emphasizing the act of moving itself, encouraging audiences to engage with the physicality and spontaneity of movement. It celebrates the momentary and ephemeral quality of performance, highlighting how each movement can serve as a distinct event in its own right.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of movement as an event is central to Merce Cunningham's choreography, which often prioritized the experience of movement over narrative.
2. Cunningham's use of the Chance Method allowed for unpredictable and spontaneous moments within a performance, reinforcing the idea that each movement could stand alone as an event.
3. This approach encourages audiences to witness the beauty and complexity of movement itself, rather than seeking deeper meaning or storyline.
4. By focusing on movement as an event, Cunningham created works that often featured separate elements of dance, music, and visual art, allowing them to coexist without traditional connections.
5. Movement as an event emphasizes the physicality of dance, encouraging dancers to explore their bodies in new ways and pushing the boundaries of what dance can represent.

Review Questions

• How does Merce Cunningham's philosophy challenge traditional narratives in dance?
  • Cunningham's philosophy challenges traditional narratives by prioritizing movement itself over storytelling. Instead of using dance as a tool to convey a specific plot or emotion, he invites audiences to appreciate the act of moving as an experience. This approach allows for a more abstract interpretation of performance, where each moment can be seen as a unique event rather than a part of a cohesive story.
• In what ways did the Chance Method influence the structure and perception of performance in Cunningham's work?
  • The Chance Method significantly influenced Cunningham's work by introducing randomness and unpredictability into performances. This technique allowed various components like movement, music, and visuals to be determined by chance rather than preordained decisions. As a result, audiences experienced performances that felt fresh and spontaneous, reinforcing the idea that each moment in dance is its own event, separate from narrative expectations.
• Evaluate the implications of viewing movement as an event on contemporary dance practices.
  • Viewing movement as an event has profound implications for contemporary dance practices by shifting focus away from linear storytelling towards explorations of form, space, and sensation. This perspective encourages choreographers and dancers to experiment with their physicality and embrace spontaneity. It opens up possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration and challenges audiences to engage with performances in more immediate ways, transforming how we understand the art of dance itself.

Related terms

Merce Cunningham: A pioneering choreographer known for his innovative approach to dance that emphasized chance procedures and the autonomy of movement.

Chance Method: A technique developed by Merce Cunningham where elements of a performance, such as movement, music, and staging, are determined by random choices.

Ephemerality: The quality of lasting for a very short time, particularly relevant in dance where performances are transient and cannot be replicated exactly.