born April 16, 1919, Centralia, Wash., U.S.
U.S. avant-garde dancer and choreographer.
In 1939 he joined Martha Graham 's company, where he created roles in several of her works. As an independent choreographer in 1945–52, he began his long collaboration with the composer John Cage . In 1952 Cunningham formed his own company, developing his interest in isolated movement and "choreography by chance." His Suite by Chance (1952) was the first dance performed to an electronic score. Other works include The Seasons (1947), Summerspace (1958), and Locale (1980).
Merce Cunningham, 1970.
Jack Mitchell