Merce Cunningham dies aged 90

The art world mourns the passing of the innovative and influential choreographer and dancer, Merce Cunningham, who died this week, aged 90. Often described as the greatest living choreographer, when he was alive he pioneered new standards in contemporary dance and pushed the boundaries of the art form to new uncharted territories through his collaborations with visual artists including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg. With his life partner the musician and artist John Cage; Cunningham incorporated the use of new technology, film and video in his practice.

Born in Washington and taught from an early age by a former Seattle vaudeville performer, he began his career as a 'hoofer' and later joined the company of Martha Graham where he became a soloist. 

"I loved to dance. From the time I first tap danced, I have been dancing ever since. It's something I just do" Merce Cunningham

Cage accompanied his first solo concert in New York in 1944, but it took a long time for this pioneering style to be appreciated by the masses. During a touring show with Martha Graham's company, people threw eggs and tomatoes in a suburban French theatre.

"They threw things at us, but their aim wasn't very good so it was alright."

John Cage used to play the three tunes he knew at the time for dance classes taught by Cunningham. This partnership blossomed via an extraordinary combination of steps and sounds, but remained private and personal throughout their lifetimes. When asked to sum up their relationship Cage replied:
"I cook and he does the dishes."

Cunningham’s dances have often been described as having much in common with collage structures made by the artists involved in the Dada movement. Another similarity has been towards the multiplicity of centres occurring within Zen Buddhism. This description does not intend to imply that Cunningham's dance forms are formless; more that the structures are organic like something in nature and not preconceived and imposed on the material.

Tall with long neck and sloping shoulders, Cunningham was compared by journalists to a Picasso painting. During his journey he always found new ways to challenge himself and his physicality.

Artistic director of the influential Rambert Company, Mark Baldwin was asked today by Radio 4 if it was possible to sum up the influence of this great performer:

"Enormous impact. The poetry of movement. It's often said of his performances that it's some of the hardest things dancers can do."