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Dance Legend Cunningham Dead at 90

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 27, 2009 10:49 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Merce Cunningham, one of the most influential dancers and choreographers of the 20th century, died last night at age 90, the New York Times reports. Hailed as the creator of new classicism, he remained productive to the end; this year saw the premiere of his final work, “Nearly Ninety,” and even on his deathbed he told friends he was still choreographing in his mind.

He also continued to draw critical acclaim, and was routinely called the world’s greatest choreographer. His work forms a link from the inventions of the "mid-Century Moderns," notably Martha Graham, to Twyla Tharp and her rebellious peers, Bloomberg reports. He was also once a uniquely talented dancer; one ballet teacher said Cunningham, Fred Astaire, and Margot Fonteyn were the three best he ever saw.

In This July 27, 1964 file photo, Merce Cunningham lifts Carolyn Brown during rehearsal at Sadler Wells Theater in London, England.
In This July 27, 1964 file photo, Merce Cunningham lifts Carolyn Brown during rehearsal at Sadler Wells Theater in London, England.   (AP Photo, File)
Members of the Merce Cunningham dance company perform during the dress rehearsal for Ocean at the Rose Theater in New York.
Members of the Merce Cunningham dance company perform during the dress rehearsal for "Ocean" at the Rose Theater in New York.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen, File)
In this undated file photo provided by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, provided on April 16, 2009, choreographer Merce Cunningham is shown. On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, the Cunningham.
In this undated file photo provided by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, provided on April 16, 2009, choreographer Merce Cunningham is shown. On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, the Cunningham.   (AP Photo/Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Mark Seliger)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Timinator2K
Jul 27, 2009 4:23 AM CDT
He had a great run of life & a career that he loved to the end. God Bless Him.

 
obituary • dance • Fred Astaire • choreography • Merce Cunningham • Twyla Tharp • Martha Graham • Margot Fonteyn

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