Making Dances: Seven Post-Modern Choreographers

Making Dances: Seven Post-Modern Choreographers from 1980 is a captivating documentary that delves into the revolutionary world of contemporary dance, spotlighting the innovative works of seven pioneering choreographers who shaped post-modern dance in the late 20th century. The film serves as a rich exploration of the artistic visions that emerged during this transformative era, drawing attention to how each of these choreographers redefined the boundaries of movement, expression, and performance.

At the heart of the film are notable figures such as Trisha Brown, Lucinda Childs, and Douglas Dunn, each of whom played a significant role in the evolution of dance as a pragmatic and conceptual art form. Through interviews, archival footage, and rehearsals, making Dances captures the creative processes and philosophies that underpin their choreographic masterpieces.

Trisha Brown's work is characterized by her playful yet profound approach to movement. The documentary highlights her interest in gravity and unconventional body mechanics, which led her to create significant pieces that challenge traditional narratives. Trisha meticulously articulates her belief that dance can emerge from everyday actions, thus elevating the mundane to a level of artistic exploration and insight. The film showcases her distinctive style, revealing how she invites her dancers to explore their personal interpretations of choreography, allowing for a rich tapestry of movement that feels spontaneous and organic.

Lucinda Childs, another central figure in the film, brings her unique interpretation of minimalist aesthetics to life. Known for her collaborations with visual artists and composers, Childs offers a perspective on movement that emphasizes structure, repetition, and rhythm. The documentary presents her groundbreaking piece, which incorporates film, performance, and music, allowing viewers to experience the intricate relationship between these elements. Childs' work invites the audience to contemplate how movement can be stripped to its essentials while still evoking deep emotional connections.

Douglas Dunn's contributions also receive significant attention as he challenges the conventions of dance through a combination of text, spoken word, and movement. The documentary reveals Dunn's experimental spirit and his ability to weave narratives that engage with the complexities of communication and human experience. Dunn's performances break the fourth wall, creating an interactive atmosphere where the line between performer and audience becomes blurred. Making Dances captures his innovative approach to choreography, emphasizing how words and actions can coexist to convey intricately layered meanings.

The film roots its exploration in the collaborative nature of contemporary dance, showcasing the relationships between these artists and their influences on one another. Interwoven throughout the narrative are anecdotes and discussions that provide insight into the creative synergies that emerged from their interactions. Making Dances highlights the spirit of mutual inspiration that fueled this post-modern dance movement, illustrating how these choreographers not only created individual works but also contributed to a larger conversation about the evolving nature of performance art.

The documentary's aesthetic choices also play a crucial role in its effectiveness. It balances choreographic performance visuals with candid behind-the-scenes moments, giving viewers comprehensive access to the rigorous rehearsal processes that inform each artist's work. The cinematography captures the fluidity of movement, allowing audiences to experience dance not just as a visual spectacle but as an intellectual and emotional engagement. The editing style enhances the overall narrative, often juxtaposing performances with reflective commentary, drawing parallels between thought and action in the realm of choreography.

In addition to celebrating the contributions of these choreographers, Making Dances serves as an educational resource. It cultivates a deeper understanding of the language of dance by unpacking the nuances of movement vocabulary and choreographic intent. By bringing the viewer into the world of rehearsals and artistic discussions, the film emphasizes the importance of context and interpretation in appreciating dance as a formidable art form.

As a historical document, Making Dances also encapsulates the socio-cultural shifts of the time, reflecting how larger movements in society influenced the ways in which dance was conceived and performed. It touches on themes of feminism, individuality, and the breaking down of artistic hierarchies, illustrating how dance served as a medium for expressing broader societal changes.

Overall, Making Dances: Seven Post-Modern Choreographers from 1980 is a profound homage to the ingenuity and spirit of a transformative era in dance. With its thoughtfully curated content, the film not only honors the impactful legacies of choreographers like Trisha Brown, Lucinda Childs, and Douglas Dunn but also invites audiences to engage with the ongoing evolution of contemporary performance art. This documentary is essential viewing for aspiring dancers, choreographers, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity and social commentary within the arts. Through its in-depth exploration of these artistic pioneers, Making Dances reminds us of the power of movement as a profound form of human expression.