Customer Reviews

Democracy's Body: Judson Dance Theatre, 1962–1964

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This book is an historical account of the Judson Dance Theater. Through interviews of the members of Judson, reviews, and research, Banes creates an incredibly thorough documentation of these two years. Every teacher, mentor, advisor, critic, dancer, choreographer, visual artist, musician, critic, stage manager, and lighting designer connected either directly or peripherally with the Judson Group is mentioned in this book. Vivid descriptions of the dances in each concert have been pieced together through Bane's extensive research. The title refers to the Judson commitment to the collective process and the reduction of hierarchical relationships between dancers and choreographers, traditional technique and pedestrian movement, and content and form. Numerous artists from different mediums participated in the over 200 dances presented by Judson Theater in the 2 years that the group was active. Some notable members include: Trisha Brown, Yvonne Rainer, Steve Paxton, Fred Herko, Elaine Summers, Robert Morris, Deborah and Alan Hay, David Gordon, Judith and Robert Dunn, Lucinda Childs, and Robert Rauschenberg.

Bane's thoroughness makes the book a bit dense in places. I sometimes longed for visual aides when I read the detailed descriptions of the dances in each concert. Yet, also due to this thoroughness, I felt that I really got to know some of the personalities involved in the group, such as; Steve Paxton and Yvonne Rainer. I particularly enjoyed learning about the development and flux in momentum of this revolutionary moment in dance.

It was a wonderful surprise to be introduced to the writings of critic Jill Johnston through this book. I reccomend "Marmalade Me" (a collection of Jill's writings from 1960-69) as a compliment to this book.