The 1960s: a decade synonymous with cultural upheaval, societal transformation, and groundbreaking innovation. While music and art from this era often take center stage, the world of dance experienced its own seismic shift, a vibrant and experimental period that redefined movement and performance. Reinventing Dance in the 1960s, edited by Sally Banes with the assistance of Andrea Harris, delves into this dynamic decade, offering a comprehensive look at the choreographers and movements that challenged conventions and paved the way for contemporary dance as we know it.
This insightful collection of essays, praised by Lynn Garafola of Barnard College as a “thoughtful collection” providing “a multiplicity of new perspectives,” examines the key figures and groundbreaking ensembles that emerged during this transformative time. From Anna Halprin’s pioneering West Coast experiments, pushing the boundaries of site-specific and task-based performance, to the revolutionary Judson Dance Theater in New York, which democratized dance and embraced everyday movement, the book explores the diverse landscape of 1960s Dance.
The essays within Reinventing Dance in the 1960s illuminate the avant-garde dance subcultures that flourished in New York City, fostering an environment of artistic cross-pollination and radical creativity. The work of visionary artists like Meredith Monk, known for her interdisciplinary performances blending movement, music, and theater, and Kenneth King, celebrated for his witty and conceptually rich choreography, are meticulously analyzed. Furthermore, the book broadens its scope to include parallel movements in Britain, demonstrating the transatlantic reach of this dance revolution.
Esteemed dance critics and scholars including Janice Ross, Leslie Satin, Noël Carroll, Gus Solomons jr., Deborah Jowitt, Stephanie Jordan, and Joan Acocella contribute their expertise to this volume, offering diverse perspectives and in-depth analyses. Sally Banes, the Marian Hannah Winter Professor of Theater History and Dance Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, brings her preeminent scholarship to the forefront, guiding readers through the complexities and nuances of this era. David Gere from the University of California, Los Angeles, aptly notes Banes’s expertise, stating, “if I could choose any guide for this journey, it would be Sally Banes. She has claimed this fertile territory as her own.”
Reinventing Dance in the 1960s is not merely a historical account; it is a vital resource for understanding the foundations of postmodern dance and the ongoing evolution of movement as an art form. It contextualizes the dance innovations within the broader social and cultural turmoil of the 1960s, revealing how artistic expression mirrored and challenged the changing world. Andrea Harris, assistant professor of dance at UW–Madison, provides valuable assistance in shaping this comprehensive exploration.
For those captivated by the history of dance, the spirit of the 1960s, or the evolution of artistic expression, Reinventing Dance in the 1960s offers an invaluable journey into a decade where everything in dance seemed possible. This book is an essential addition to the library of anyone seeking to understand the revolutionary power of 1960s dance and its lasting legacy on the contemporary stage.
Sally Banes is a leading voice in dance history and criticism. Her other notable works include Terpsichore in Sneakers, Dancing Women, Democracy’s Body, and Greenwich Village 1963, further solidifying her authority in the field.
(April 2003)
200 pages
6 x 9 inches
17 b/w photographs
Paper $22.95 s
ISBN 978-0-299-18014-0
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