The Technique

“My purpose has not been to make a technique but to make exercises which are useful for the purpose of training dancers. Dance technique is flexible. The whole point in art, in life, is flexibility.” – Merce Cunningham

Cunningham Technique™ is a rigorous, but not codified, training technique for dancers, and places an emphasis on acquiring strength, clarity, and precision. Daily repetition of principles in a variety of exercises promotes understanding of the aesthetic unique to Cunningham’s work. Maximum use of the spine and torso are key. Concepts of space and time exist in a relative framework, one that differs from other contemporary dance techniques. Cunningham Technique™ makes demands on students not only in physical terms, but also in terms of developing mental resilience.

Students have frequent opportunities to see the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in rehearsal and to participate in workshops and studio showings.

Levels

Two separate class levels enable instructors to assign each student to the class level best suited to his or her own particular stage of development. At each level, the technique exercises follow a similar format and stress the same principles. The work becomes increasingly demanding in terms of clarity of movement, strength, stamina, and complexity.

Elementary

Monday through Friday 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

This class is for students new to the Studio who have had previous dance training. Students learn the back exercises, how to make changes of weight, and combinations of back positions and weight changes in moving phrases.

Elementary/Intermediate

Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM

This class is open to all, and will move at a faster pace than the Elementary class, building on strength, clarity of movement, rhythmic and spatial dynamics. Familiarity with the series of back exercises at the beginning of class is desirable, but not required.

Class Rates

Single Class: $15

          (can be purchased at the door)

10-Class Card: $120

          (expires December 31, 2011)

Class Policies

    -Class Observers are welcome at the discretion of the registrar

    -Latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of the teacher

    -Classes are not transferable or refundable

Contact Info

For any questions or further information please write us at:

rafael@merce.org