An inside look at the life and artistry of one of the most notable modern dance choreographers, who is the 1991 recipient of the Scripps Award for lifetime achievement in dance. Originally produced as a segment of the Dance in America series. Arnie Zane Dance Co. Built around rehearsal and performance, this film guides us through the life, work and creative process of Bill T. Jones and his extraordinary company. This program contains nudity.
Viewer discretion is advised.
Traces modern dance pioneer Charles Weidman's career from his roots in Lincoln, Nebraska, performing with Denishawn, through his partnership with Doris Humphrey, and the last thirty years of his life on his own. Contains historical footage of Weidman performing with Humphrey, speaking about his work, and teaching a class in kinetic pantomime. Describes and demonstrates the basics of the Humphrey-Weidman technique and reveals Weidman as a master of both comic and serious choreography, an inimitable performer, and sharp wit. An invaluable resource for artists, teachers, and mythmakers of all kinds, these cassettes include footage of Ms. Erdman at work, interviews, re-creations of complete dances, archival photos and films, appearances by her collaborators, and her own narration. The festival presented the oldest and biggest to the newest and smallest black companies and celebrated the evolution of black dance from the sly parody of plantation quadrilles known as the Cakewalk to the contemporary sophistication of the Alvin Ailey Company.