Merce Cunningham: A Lifetime of Dance

In this excellent entry from the PBS-aired American Masters series, director Charles Atlas turns to dancers and musicians who have worked with master choreographer Merce Cunningham to help interpret his groundbreaking body of work--and, best of all, the 80-year-old Cunningham is one of the principal commentators. A very engaging person who remains consumed by dance, Cunningham's extraordinary 50-year career as dancer and choreographer is illuminated through archival film footage, still photos and current video in a veritable Merce's Greatest Dance Hits presentation that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether working with avant composers like John Cage or exploring dance via computer-generated imaging, Cunningham has always been at the forefront of American modern dance, and this outstanding documentary makes a strong argument that he is its most influential choreographer. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)