It’s a longstanding tradition: dancers from the Merce Cunningham Dance Company often become choreographers in their own right. The acutely sophisticated and intellectually challenging nature of the venerable master’s work seems to inspire smart, intriguing choreography from his artistic offspring. Some of his dancers form ongoing troupes; some present work on a more occasional basis. But from Cunningham’s earliest company members such as Viola Farber and Remy Charlip, right through to his present-day dancers, many have assimilated the invigorating experience of dancing for Merce and then sought to cultivate their own distinct choreographic voices.
Cunningham Generations, the concluding event of the extensive, varied La Mama Moves! Festival (now in its fourth year) promises to be quite an alumni reunion, with choreography by dancers representing every decade from the 1960s through the present. Douglas Dunn, who danced with MCDC from 1969 to 1973, is the most experienced choreographer among them, and his recent programs have shown a resurgence of his unpredictable ingenuity. The current troupe, which performed so exceptionally at BAM last month, will be represented by fledgling choreographers Rashaun Mitchell and Daniel Squire, both of whose works are premieres.
Ellen Cornfield and Alan Good, memorable performers who began their MCDC tenure in the 1970s, will offer works from their repertories. Representing the ‘80s is Dennis O’Connor, whose work has not been seen here for a while. Kimberly Bartosik, Foofwa d’Immobilité (who went by the name of Frédéric Gafner in those days) and Matthew Mohr all performed with the company during the 1990s, when Cunningham’s work gained new complexity as he incorporated the computer program LifeForms into his creative process. Mohr has a premiere on tap, while Bartosik will present The Materiality of Impermanence, and Foofwa will offer a piece d’occasion for himself and Banu Ogan, another terrific former Cunningham dancer from that decade.
Each of the three mix-and-match evenings includes works by six of them, along with a video by MCDC alumni Michael Cole (Fri. and Sun.) or Jonah Bokaer (Sat.)
>Cunningham Generations The Club at La Mama ETC, 74A E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery), 212-475-5510; Fri & Sat. 10, Sun 5:30, $15/$10
