How Mark Morris Changed Dance

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Dance is an ever evolving form of art; in much the same way that one can categorize and differentiate between eras and styles of architecture one can also do so with dance. These eras at times have sharp delineations separating them from their antecedents, other times the distinction is far more subtle. Traditional forms of dance were challenged by choreographers attempting to expand the breadth and increase the depth of performance; preeminent among such visionaries was Seattle born dancer and choreographer Mark Morris. Mark Morris' began as one of the millions of hopeful individuals attempting to simply make a career in dance; he not only succeeded but managed to have a lasting effect on the entire landscape of dance. Mark Morris was born and raised in Seattle, Washington; a location very receptive to fine art and free expression. Unlike the stereotypic rise through adversity with unaccepting parents Morris’ parents were actually incredibly supportive of his dreams. Morris’ decided early on that he wanted to be a performer, and not say an accountant. Being born in 1956 he was very heavily influenced by his intensely amateur musical family, instilling in him a great appreciation for opera and classical music; this would later show up in his choreography. He danced for the Koleda Balkan Dance Ensemble dance company early on, establishing himself in 1973.He managed to garner enough respect to choreograph his first major performance in 1978 at the age of 22. Mark Morris branched out and established himself as a successful choreographer in 1980 and established the Mark Morris Dance Group. He established this company after moving to New York City, his first major choreographed work, Rattlesnake Song, garnered critical acclaim by r... ... middle of paper ... ...eview Dance Board. (2010, February 13). Mark Morris on Mozart. Retrieved February 28, 2010, from The Harvard Art Review: http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~harvardartreview/wordpress/2010/02/24/mark-morris-on-mozart-2/ The Wikipedia Collective. (2010, February 22). Mark Morris. Retrieved February 28, 2010, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Morris Tobias, T. (2008, July 7). Mark Morris Rethinks Prokofiev's `Romeo' as Lusty, Gender Bending, Not Tragic. Retrieved February 27, 2010, from Seeing Things: Tobi Tobias on Dance et al.: http://www.artsjournal.com/tobias/2008/07/mark_morris_rethinks_prokofiev.html Tolve, A. (2007, December 17). Lifelong friends both find a place at Mark Morris Dance Company. Retrieved February 28, 2010, from SFGate: http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-12-17/entertainment/17274863_1_mark-morris-dance-group-ethan-iverson-youngest-dancers

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