Speaking of Dance (Kindle Edition)

by Joyce Morgenroth (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Joyce Morgenroth takes the subject of movement to new heights as she develops her deep way of naming it for what it does -- not what it 'looks like' or 'makes us feel'. Her book elevates our field to an actual body of knowledge in print... at long last.
–Elizabeth Streb

Joyce Morgenroth takes the subject of movement to new heights as she develops her deep way of naming it for what it does -- not what it looks like or makes us feel. Her book elevates our field to an actual body of knowledge in print... at long last.
–Elizabeth Streb

Rarely does an interview give me back a boost of clarity about my work as yours has done.
–Trisha Brown

Product Description
Speaking of Dance: Twelve Contemporary Choreographers on Their Craft juxtaposes the choreographic processes of some of America's most engaging -- and revolutionary -- choreographers. Based on personal interviews, the book's narratives reveal, among others, Merce Cunningham's unquenchable fascination with movement, Meredith Monk's spiritual quest, Bill T. Jones's desire to change the world, Trisha Brown's engagement with structure, and Mark Morris' profound musicality. Morgenroth shows how the ideas, craft, and passion that go into their work have led these choreographers to disrupt set forms and expectations: dancing on the sides of buildings, in city streets, in rivers and lakes; moving to music, sounds, speech, and silence; costumed in ordinary clothes, shredded leotards, or nothing at all. The history of dance in the making is revealed through the stories of these intelligent, articulate, and witty dancemakers. Put away your old dance composition primers and see how these choreographers can open your eyes and minds to what dance can be.
· Profiled Choreographers: Merce Cunningham; Anna Halprin; David Gordon; Trisha Brown; Lucinda Childs; Meredith Monk; Elizabeth Streb; Eiko Otake; Bill T. Jones; Ann Carlson; Mark Morris; John Jasperse

Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Print Length: 240 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (October 13, 2004)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• ASIN: B001941OR4
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart and lively, January 8, 2006

By	Holly C. Lau - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Speaking of Dance (Paperback)

I like this book alot. In the introduction, we hear the voice of Joyce Morgenroth, author and interviewer. An auspices start. The writing is smart and lively. Morgenroth loves dance, has a keen eye for details, and lots of questions.Through the intro, her energetic and easy writing makes her feel close... and she is willing to take us along into the kitchens and lofts to speak with dancemakers about the alchemy of choreography.

First stop, though is a short history of modern dance. We get facts but Morgenroth concentrates on the catalysts that led to explorations. She places each of the artists in the book in context.

The interviews start with a short bio but the heft is the voice of the artist. The pieces are spontaneous and intimate and also well-structured. The artists' stories of their histories are funny and human. No matter how well known, it is clear that each artist is still deeply involved with the process of making work.

I teach dance compostion and after reading Speaking of Dance realized what a priceless resource this is for young people making art. We can't give them a formula, just tips and the courage to get out there and try.

This book supports that idea completely.

5.0 out of 5 stars Speaking of Dance, February 19, 2008

By	S. Martin - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Speaking of Dance (Paperback)

This book was everything I expected. It came to me quickly and I was very pleased with the condition of the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Eminently Readable & Delightful Journey in Modern Choreography, November 30, 2007

By	Brol Broglio (Richmond VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Joyce Morgenroth's work, aptly titled Speaking of Dance, allows us the pleasure of actually hearing the voices of the choreographers and, in a very real sense, seeing their work. This simple integrity of purpose may be a large part of what makes the book so eminently readable. The author signals us with her first introductory words, "Watching dance..." that we are in for a journey from audience point-of-view. Then, Morgenroth neatly take us to the source, her interviews with twelve well-known choreographers. What different sources they turn out to be!

Speaking of Dance lets the choreographers tell their stories with the full flair of their personalities. I get who they are without being spoon-fed. They speak in their twelve highly individuals styles, just what you hope for from contemporary titans in the dance world. (No doubt much clearer sounding than some of them actually articulated before Morgenroth edited for us.) In speaking they let us into their world. How much each captivates is illuminated almost as much by how they present themselves, perhaps who they are, as by what they have created on the floor...and, in some cases, off the ceilings, on the walls, with the music coupled with each artist's internal vision. In every case I learn