Sunday, September 09, 2007
New York Loves Them? Tough!
New York Times: "AS dancegoing New Yorkers might hope, the living choreographers for whom their city is most renowned — Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris — are all scheduled to present new works in the coming 12 months and to revive beloved works from their past. So far so good. But too little of it will open in New York City. And there is no knowing when or even if some of it will be seen here."
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6 comments:
What a depressing thing to hear about ABT. Putting the professional company aside, it's important for the school to explore and take risks and do something innovative. Isn't that what you want as an art student, or as an artist in general? The opportunity to take risks and discover something completely new and wonderful?
As far as NYC missing out on fabulous ballets, I can't say I feel too sorry for them. I think it's wonderful that the arts, the "high arts," if you will, are finding their ways to other cities and taking off. It's great to know that we live in a time when you don't have to live in East Village to get to se some spectacular ballet. As an artist, it's good to know that there are options for finding work in the arts outside of New York and that ground-breaking art work isn't so exclusive. I only wish I could see the re-worked Romeo and Juliet or a Twyla Tharp piece!
It sounds to me that these choreographers have gained enough of a reputation and a following that they can now be successful in areas other than just the capitol of the world. It is always exciting in an artist's career when they are capable of breaking the bounds that one area might have held on them without the risk of utter failure. In my eyes, the further an artist's influence can travel, the better off our culture can thrive.
What I find striking is that in a community where so few dancers really make it, those choreographers that have been truly embraced by a city don't return to it more often. I agree with Corinna in that they should be traveling and exposing other cities but there is still a neccessity to know your roots and to know when it is time to go back to them.
I also love the idea of an 80+ year old choreographing.
Although I think it is always wonderful to see high profile artist travel around the country to further expose people to their inspiring work, I was struck by the last two or so paragraphs in the article. It will be a sad day when New York is no longer the home of experimental art but rather just the home of retired baby boomers who wish to spend their big bucks on revivals and 'mainstream' art. Don't get me wrong, their is nothing wrong with baby boomers or their big bucks, however, lets hope that coming seasons in New York continue to bring new, experimental and controversial art to, as Anthony said, the capitol of the world, and New York doesn't just become a place where tickets are overpriced and the work is familiar.
When I read this article, I took a slightly different approach. While yes I agree that it would be terrible to see NY lose any of its experimental theater or amazing talent, I also think that this is a good sign that areas outside of NY are gaining a greater appreciation for the arts. I mean, performances in Kansas and North Carolina do not seem like obvious choices to me, but if there is support there, then thats great.
I think the fact that performing arts is getting out of New York City is a good thing. I think it’s limiting that a good portion of our industries work happens in NYC. There is a whole country of people who can do really good work, and not all of them want or can live in New York. Also I think it’s a great opportunity for organizations around the country to have new, big name work opening in their city. The more first hand exposure people get to first class performance the more the general public will enjoy and pay for theatre.
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