Split Sides Response

Well if you have not heard of the late Merce Cunningham, he is a modern choreographer known for many things, especially "Chance Dance." This is where you let chance rule your work. I just watched Split Sides 46 followed by 45 - a work with music by Sigur Ros and Radiohead. You can check out a description of Split Sides here:
http://www.merce.org/thecompany_r-splitsides.html

I was disappointed. Yes, there was awesome choreography and yes there was beautiful music, but they did not go together. I am now of the firm opinion that music that supports the choreography is so much more powerful than music that happens to be playing. Of course it is fun to play and do the same phrase of choreography to all kinds of songs and be surprised by the sporadic times that they actually coordinate together, but it is so much more beautiful and powerful to see dancers and music appear to be doing the same thing at the same time. That is what moves me. Split Sides also helped me confirm that when I choreograph without music, it is better to compose music for it than to leave it silent. Silence is however, a beautiful choreographic tool when used with purpose. Ah yes, Purpose. A beautiful eternal concept. This is why pieces that happen to have music playing with them do not succeed - because the music has no purpose. (Unless of course you have a purpose for your music not having a purpose; in which case you succeed because, you still have a purpose :)

In short, music is powerful. I hope to use it well.

And now, an amazing example of dancers and music appearing to do the same thing. One of my absolute favorites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk_WhBWJQzk

Nederlands Dans Theater
"Falling Angels"
Choreography: Jiri Kylian
music: Steve Reich