In the world of dance, the past is being brought to life in innovative ways. Across the United States, dance companies are reimagining classical works and celebrating the legacies of influential choreographers, creating a vibrant dialogue between tradition and innovation.
The Martha Graham Dance Company is currently in the second year of Graham100, a three-year celebration honoring the legacy of Martha Graham, the pioneering American modern dancer and choreographer. As part of this commemoration, the company will perform "Cortege 2023," a modern interpretation of the Greek mythological ferryman Charon, created by the dancemaker duo Baye & Asa. This piece draws inspiration from Graham's 1967 work "Cortege of Eagles" and will be showcased at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Other dance organizations are also diving into their historical repertoires. The Limón Dance Company will premiere a reimagining of two lost pieces by José Limón, "Redes" (1951) and "El Grito" (1952), choreographed by Kayla Farrish. This world premiere, set for November 5-10, 2024, at New York's Joyce Theater, is based on extensive research conducted at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company's fall season, running from November 5-24, 2024, at Lincoln Center, will pay tribute to Loïe Fuller, a modern dance pioneer known for her innovative use of silk costumes and colored lighting. The program will feature solo homages created by choreographer and Fuller expert Jody Sperling.
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the American Repertory Theater is preparing for the world premiere of "Diary of a Tap Dancer" by renowned tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel. This production, running from December 12, 2024, to January 4, 2025, will not only share Casel's personal story but also highlight the achievements of women tap dancers throughout history.
These history-inspired performances serve multiple purposes. They not only preserve and honor dance heritage but also provide a foundation for new creative endeavors. By revisiting past works, choreographers and dancers gain inspiration and confidence to push the boundaries of their art form.
"Revisiting our dance heritage allows us to honor the past while creating a bridge to the future. It's not about replication, but about finding new relevance in timeless works."
The ephemeral nature of dance makes these historical revivals particularly significant. Unlike other art forms, dance is often challenging to preserve, with many works from the pre-film era lost or nearly forgotten. Even recorded performances lack the three-dimensionality and energy of live shows. This transient quality, however, adds to the art form's allure, encouraging audiences to be fully present and mindful during each fleeting moment of movement.
As dance companies continue to explore their rich histories, audiences can look forward to a diverse array of performances that blend the old with the new. From the Joffrey Ballet's reimagining of Ian McEwan's "Atonement" to the Washington Ballet's avian-inspired "when WE take flight," the upcoming dance season promises to be a thrilling journey through time and movement.