Three decades after the world premiere of Merce Cunningham's iconic August Pace, the original cast converges in a New York City studio, embarking on an extraordinary experiment in the transmission of movement from one generation to the next. The documentary unfolds as a fly-on-the-wall experience, seamlessly weaving together archival footage of past performances and present-day studio sessions.
As the aging dancers revisit the choreography that once defined their prime, the film becomes a study of vulnerability, capturing the poignant and humorous moments when the body grapples with the echoes of its former prowess. The grace with which these artists confront their physical limitations is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. August Pace: 1989-2019 skillfully navigates the intersection of personal narratives and the universal language of dance, celebrating the resilience of art and the enduring legacy of Merce Cunningham's vision.
There is one criticism of this film I have to get out of the way: It is not Can You Bring It? That is to say August Pace: 1989-2019 is not a documentary for those just learning about dance. Knowledge of modern dance is a prerequisite to understanding much of the content in this film and there isn’t any time devoted to reviewing the history of the period or Merce Cunningham. That being said, August Pace: 1989-2019 is an interesting dance documentary if a little one note.
The focus of the film is on the esoteric means the original cast members use to transfer their knowledge of the duets performed throughout the piece to the new cast members in a very short period of time. Library patrons or students interested in the use of esotericism or master/student relationships may find this film intriguing, but otherwise, this is a dance documentary for dancers. Those building a collection for dance academies will want to consider this title as an unofficial Editor’s Choice, but those building more generalized collections may want to seek out more accessible dance documentaries or past performances of August Pace instead. Recommended.
What sort of college instructor could use this title?
August Pace: 1989-2019 is best suited to dance and theater instructors who are interested in teaching how movement is transferred from one individual to another.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
4 year University/College $295. Lower pricing for community colleges, K-12, public libraries