MARK MORRIS

May 2001
		Choreographer Mark Morris answers questions about a life in dance.

Online Special The Mark Morris Dance Group March 19, 2001 Cirque du Soleil: The phenomenal success of a fantastic circus troupe August 24, 1999 Merce Cunningham's life in dance April 9, 1999 The power of Johann Sebastian Bach's music April 15, 1999 Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Wit Feb. 19, 2001 The art and craft of violin making Sept. 8, 2000 The lights go down on "Cats" Browse NewsHour coverage of arts and entertainment   News for Students Mark Morris talks about becoming a dancer     The Mark Morris Dance Group

The space between the steps In your work I find the space between steps or a movement as important as the steps or movement. How do you find that space? Angie Nash, Washington, D.C. Mark Morris: It is perfectly appropriate to breathe. I encourage it in my dancers. The space between steps is as much the choreography as the steps are. Influences In terms of movement, to what extent would you say that Merce Cunningham or other dancer influenced your work? Jeff Sunbury, Austin, TX MM: In terms of movement, I am influenced by everything in my experience: the work of other choreographers (including the great Mr. Cunningham), books, music, dancers and other people, television, life in the world. I keep my eyes wide open all the time. Little left to chance How does randomness a la John Cage fit into your work? Mike Russo, Monterey, CA MM: Mr. Cage employed randomness as an important technique in his work. I admire his approach and have been influenced only through my knowledge of his work. In my own work there is very little that is left to "chance". Penning a life's work Will you ever write a book about dance and about yourself? Bella Tschinkel, Cold Spring, NY MM: I may write a book one day, when I have enough time and courage. Inspiration from others I was wondering how you get your ideas and how you become inspired? Do your dancers ever inspire you? R. August, Asheville, NC MM: Absolutely, the dancers in my company are a principal inspiration. Nearly all my ideas are generated by music. Collaboration How did you come to work with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Yo Yo Ma? Rev. Cynthia Snodgrass, Mansfield CT MM: Mr. Baryshnikov and I formed the White Oak Dance Project in 1990. Over the years, both Mr. Baryshnikov and Mr. Ma have asked me to work with them. I am happy to say that we continue to work together. Selecting music How do you pick and choose your music? Do you expect your dancers to have a deep sense of the music they dance to as you seem to? Would you ever consider working with Sanskrit ritual chants? Katie O'Malley, Austin, TX MM: I am always listening to music and considering what to set a dance to. The dancers in my company learn the music as I make up the dance and develop a deep recognition and understanding as part of their job. It is very enjoyable. Sanskrit ritual chants? Hmm.