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Visionaries of Dance: Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Merce CunninghamPost an Event »
Oddball Films presents Visionaries of Dance, a sumptuous evening of rare 16mm films dedicated to the innovators of the art of dance and the transformative nature of film to bring that art and beauty out in new and imaginative ways. The grande dame of modern dance, Martha Graham, brings us into her studio as her dancers demonstrate the techniques created and imparted to them by the pioneering dancer and choreographer in A Dancer's World (1957). Alvin Ailey forever changed the landscape of the dance world; view some of his most important works in the ultra-rare PBS documentary Alvin Ailey: Memories and Visions (1974). The poetic Merce Cunningham (1964) documents the experimental choreographer, his imaginative interpretation of dance and theater as well as his collaborations with notable artists like Robert Rauschenberg and John Cage. The brilliant Norman McLaren employs slow-motion to showcase the exacting precision of the Ballet Adagio (1972) with the help of two exquisite dancers. And for a little light animated entertainment; the mid-century UPA cartoon Ballet Oop! (1954) takes us through the exhausting routine of a class of young ballerinas and their teacher Miss Placement. It is a night of beauty, movement, and artistry that may inspire you to get out of your seat and move your feet!