The tweets started to pick up speed. Status updates poured in too, with friends linking to articles breaking the news and to video clips of the deceased’s most memorable works.
We all know that the death of Michael Jackson caused a near-earthquake on social networks Twitter and Facebook. But within my circle of contacts, the death of Pina Bausch had the same shaking effect.
It’s still sinking in that the legendary Pina Bausch has passed away. I never got to see her work live but sensed its power from all-too-brief video excerpts (snippets from two of her works, including Cafe Muller, have thankfully been immortalized in Pedro Almodovar’s film Talk to Her). She is, truly, one of the greats - and now she’s gone.
I can’t help but wonder (and worry): what will happen to her work? Did Bausch, who died at a mere 68 only days after being diagnosed with cancer, have a plan in place in the case of her death?
Earlier this month, Merce Cunningham - who is still going strong at 90 - announced his plan for his company’s legacy: after he dies (or is no longer able to run the company), the troupe will embark on a two-year world tour before dissolving, while his choreography will be preserved and restaged for other companies.
I’m still sorting through the ramifications of this plan and considering the fates of other major dance companies whose founding choreographers have already died. Some companies have folded; others have taken on new character (good? bad? just different?) as living choreographers add to existing repertory. And then, of course, there’s Martha Graham’s company, which went through a long and difficult battle over the rights to her choreography.
We’re lucky enough to live in an age when so many groundbreaking choreographers are still with us. But there’s no clear template(s) in our field for what can or should happen when these aging artists pass away. If we want these choreographers legacies to stay alive and vital, we need to have some serious, constructive dialogue.
Christy Sanford
Deborah, there are many youtube excerpts from Bausch works. I go there often. I was never able to see a live performance so I treasure these clips plus I own two books about Bausch, one in German and one Italian. I, too, am in mourning down here in rural Florida.
Jul 01, 2009 @ 05:43
Holly
Hello Deb,
Wow! Look at you! This is awesome that you are a part of this blog. You and I attended Princeton Ballet’s Summer Intensive together many years ago!
Whenever anyone dies within the dance community, the impact is made within our circle very significantly. The study of dance goes beyond movement and into the history of those that contribute…dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, composers and even story tellers. It is sad to hear of her passing but just remember all the wonderful talent she was able to contribute while she was alive. She definitely lived a full life.
Jul 01, 2009 @ 14:18
bill
I really liked this appreciation in a blog in the Los Angeles Times:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/07/pina-bausch-remembered.html
Jul 02, 2009 @ 20:39
Erin
Well said Deb. Many of us in the dance community are in shock from Pina Bausch’s passing, and the same thoughts about what will happen to her work and company crossed my mind as well. I respect Merce Cunningham’s decision to have his company disperse in two years after his passing, and hopefully more choreographers (big or small) will think about their plans and wishes for their work for the future. While everyone wants their work to be remembered, does everyone have a dance will of sorts?
Jul 06, 2009 @ 01:49