Choreographers I Would Present Together

¶ … choreographers I would present together in a festival are Mikhail Baryshnikov, Ann Teresa De Keersmaker, and Sammy Davis Jr. I truly believe that these three could present a variety of dance types that would well complement each other. I think that Baryshnikov could go back to his roots by choreographing some really tasteful, classical ballet. This work would provide the counterpoint to Sammy Davis Jr.'s tap dancing, which is certainly more upbeat and rhythmic that Baryshnikov's ballet. However, I also think that the minimalism of some of De Keersmaker's work would work well in accordance with both of the choreography of Davis Jr. And Baryshnikov, for the simple fact that it is so sparse. This way, festival-goers would be able to experience a variety of sensations and dance styles.

If I was writing a press release about De Keersmaeker, I would sure to mention not only her lengthy influence and history in dance historically, but also in contemporary times. More specifically, I would lead the press release talking about how her work influenced pop singer Beyonce, who incorporated moves from De Keersmaeker's "Achterland" and "Rosas Danst Rosas" (Macaulay, 2009). I believe that incorporating imagery of Beyonce's video, or possibly sending a power point or audio/video presentation that actually shows the singer's moves that are clearly descended from the Belgian choreographer would be the perfect way to get people excited about the latter's work. This would be a very viable way to attract people to see De Keersmaker's choreography in the festival. She is inspiration for her longevity, for the simple fact that she influenced popular, modern dance in the 1980s and did so 30 years later in the second decade of the new millennium.

A.2. I would describe De Keersmaeker's movement as simply timeless, which it evidently is. Of course she has certain sparse, minimalistic tendencies as well, which have certainly evolved with the times. What's noteworthy about this choreographer's movements is that they are suggestive of a degree of intimacy with music that is difficult to find in the work of contemporary choreographers. Moreover, they work well with solo dance moves (which is why they worked out so well for Beyonce. Thus I would describe De Keersmacker's work as timeless, "avant-garde" (Gardner, 2011) ballet that pushes the envelope.

A.3. It is difficult to pinpoint specific themes in the choreography of De Keersmaker. The Choreographer herself admitted that she dislikes themes and tries to eschew them from her work (Jenkinson, 2009). Therefore, if one were to explore the lack of themes in the choreographer's work, they would revolve around innovation and novelty. She incorporates a wide variety of media within her choreographed pieces, such as varying elements of sound (both musical and otherwise), text and different varieties of light. She also sings along to her songs (Williams, 2003).

A.4. The main way that this choreographer's work is influencing larger society is through the form of flattery known as imitation. Beyonce's lifting of several of De Keersmaeker's signature moves from Rosas effectively enabled an entirely new generation of audiences to become acquainted with the choreographer's work. It is not easy for a choreographer to produce work that stands the test of time. The ultimate demonstration of such a fact is to have his or her work featured in popular culture, as De Keersmaeker's most assuredly was in Beyonce's video -- and in the latter's live performances, as well.