Mark Morris: A Choreographer’s Take on American Music
Debra Danese: The program draws from a wide range of composers. What drew you to this music?
Mark Morris: I love music and I'm drawn to an enormous variety. I have always tried to surprise myself with musical choices. Short answer: I like it. And I'm focused directly on American music specifically.
DD: How do the dancers themselves influence or shape the work during rehearsals?
MM: They are the dances. They are the ones who learn what I contrive and present it to the public. There are always choices to make as a performing artist and an amount of room for spontaneous problem solving. As in all live performance, there is always an amount of improvisation incorporated into the choreography.
DD: How does Dances to American Music connect with or stand apart from your larger body of work?
MM: It both connects with and stands apart from my larger body of work in that I've always used music I love, and that includes American music. It's very simple. I have always been devoted to learning about music of the world.
DD: Philadelphia audiences saw two new works as part of the program. What factors do you consider when deciding where to premiere a new piece?
MM: A lot of things go into deciding where to premiere a new dance. In this case Pizzica, is just finished and it's my newest dance to American music. You've Got to Be Modernistic was first presented in July and it has joined the repertory. I am always eager to present my newest dances, and these couldn't be any newer!
Debra Danese has a multi-layered background in the entertainment industry with world-wide credits as a performer, choreographer, and teaching artist. As a writer, Debra’s work has been featured in seven arts-focused publications.
Photo credits:
You've Got to Be Modernistic, Danica Paulos
Mark Morris headshot, Beowulf Sheehan
