Modern Dance Performance Analysis

Two modern dance masters of the twentieth century, Merce Cunningham (1919 - 2009) and Alvin Ailey (1931 - 1989) both deceased and both from entirely different backgrounds, created genius compositions of movement and interpretation as exhibited on stage through their chosen art, modern dance. Suite for Five by Merce Cunningham (1956) and Revelations by Alvin Ailey (1960) were considered to be some of their greatest compositions and although the pieces were created and performed within four years of each other, the characteristics and qualities of both creations are vastly different. Both will be discussed and examined in regards to: choreographic methods, style of movement and its relationship to the music, the use of space on the stage, and …show more content…
In Suite for Five, originally entitled, “A Suite for Five in Space and Time,” Cunningham exhibited an ability to maximize the presence of the dancers and their use of the stage. His belief that every point on the stage is of equal value means there is neither a front nor a center; every point on the stage has value. The initial appearance of one dancer on stage creates a sense of solitude but the dancer is not confined to a small area. The moves of the dancers are methodical and over exaggerated to consume the enormity of the stage’s space. Even with the addition of several dancers, which allows for additional floor coverage, the full extent of occupancy is not achieved until the entry of the rest of the troop. As the dancers move throughout the stage maximum potential is achieved even though they appear at times to be haphazardly positioned all over the floor with little if any awareness of each other’s presence. Revelations however, has full use of the stage and the dancers possess an astute awareness of each other’s presence on stage. The groupings expand and contract as the dance performance progresses. The utilization of props such as the stools along with movement creates an additional sense of maximum consumption of …show more content…
Cunningham’s Suite of Five which is a truly unique and expressive presentation and Ailey’s Revelation which is more traditional, are still both modern day dance enigmas full of energy and precision in their compositional efforts. Both men were able to bring forth original elements which were enhanced with their choice of music, costumes, props, choreography and use of presence and space on stage. These performances continue to create both inspection and inspiration in the area of modern dance for modern day