Dancing. The individual and tradition
Program 7 of an eight-part documentary series exploring the ramifications of dance around the world. Twentieth-century innovations in dance are discussed by Elizabeth Kendall and Twyla Tharp, who talks about her own and others' choreography. The program begins and ends with statements by choreographers Garth Fagan, Sardono Kusumo, Eiko (of Eiko and Koma), and Tharp, who discuss their impetus to dance and create, and their relationship with the past. A historical survey of twentieth-century dance explores the role of Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in fomenting a revolution in classical ballet, and the evolution of American modern dance, beginning with Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis. Jane Dudley describes the contribution of Martha Graham, and Brenda Dixon-Gottschild discusses Katherine Dunham's integration of African and American dance forms. Francia Russell talks about George Balanchine's extension of the classical ballet tradition. The 1960s are recalled as a period of creative ferment and artistic questioning, which provided fertile ground for the innovations of Merce Cunningham, Tharp, and others
VHS Video, English, ©1993
British Broadcasting Corporation, U.K., ©1993