Erick Hawkins - poet of the modern dance : speaking of dance

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Summary

Erick Hawkins (1909-1994) looks back on his life and career. He recalls his initial interest in music, and how he became drawn to dance after entering Harvard University. He discusses his studies w...

Erick Hawkins (1909-1994) looks back on his life and career. He recalls his initial interest in music, and how he became drawn to dance after entering Harvard University. He discusses his studies with Harald Kreutzberg in Austria and with George Balanchine at the newly formed School of American Ballet ; his ballet Show piece, created as a member of Ballet Caravan ; becoming the first male dancer in Martha Graham's company. His discussion of his preference for new music for dance is amplified by the comments of his longtime musical collaborator Lucia Dlugoszewski. He also explores questions of the purpose of making art, the importance of poetic thinking, and the role of the artist as interpreter of ideas. Works discussed in the interview include: Show piece, John Brown (later titled God's angry man), Stephen Acrobat, The strangler, Here and now with watchers, and Black lake. The program includes footage of Hawkins teaching class and performance excerpts of his works.

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