For those of us dancers and choreographers starting out in the 80s, Mark Morris was a breath of fresh air. He showed us a new way of looking at movement. He was, and remains, openly queer at a time when it was risky to do so. Mr. Morris changed the face of contemporary dance in the U.S. He brought back musicality, humor, story, and beauty to what had become a disconnected, unemotional dance form. His dancers were of all shapes, colors, and size, challenging conventional ideas of what dancers bodies should look like. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Mark Morris, and his dancers perform, always with an emotional life on stage, drinking the air before them.
In his memoir we learn about what influenced his choreography, his love of music, and how his exposure to so many different styles continues to influence his work. Those of you who have seen or heard him at talks, or in interviews, will not be disappointed. He is frank, and honest with little self edit. He gives us a clear picture of how he defines himself as an artist, without numbing academic posturing. The tone is conversational, easy to follow, and often quite funny. If you are passionate about music, dance, and performing, this is a great read.