home | art & architecture | books & cds | dance | destinations | film | opera | television | theater | archives

Mark Morris Dance Group

Over just a few decades, Mark Morris has choreographed over 100 works both for his own company, the Mark Morris Dance Group, and for other major companies such as the San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theater. In doing so, he has established himself as the most original, most intelligent, most accessible choreographer working in the world today.

Morris' work grows out of a highly refined musicality. His interests range from baroque to rock and his delight in the music he selects for his works visibly flows in the movement of his dancers.

Grounded in classical technique, Morris has evolved a style all his own, distinctly of the twentieth century. His dances have a thinking, witty, and ironic character rare on the dance stage. Still, even newbies to the dance audience will have no puzzlement at the unfolding pleasures on the stage.

CV agrees with critics who say Morris' masterpiece is L'Allegro, Il Penseroso, ed IlModerato (1988). The Hard Nut, Morris' satirical take on the classic Nutcracker Suite, is becoming a staple of the season for those who wish their Christmas viewing to be less saccharine, with no sacrifice of gorgeous dancing and the additional fillip of hearty laughter. Morris' choreographed operas and shorter works as well provide endless joys for the viewer. Go!

Review-->Candleflowerdance, Somebody's Coming to See Me Tonight, Rhymes With Silver, September, 2005
Review-->Mosaic and United, Violet Cavern . October 2004
Review--> All Fours, Serenade, Grand Duo, Going Away Party, September, 2003
Review--> A Lake, Resurrection, Something Lies Beyond the Scene, Foursome, Lucky Charms,
October, 2002
Review--> The Silk Road Dance Project: Kolam; World Power, V, April, 2002
Review---> Platee, October,2001
Review---> Four Saints in Three Acts, September, 2000
Review---> Dido and ®neas, September, 2000
Review--->  L'Allegro, il Penseroso, ed il Moderato,  March, 2000
Review---> The Hard Nut, December, 1999
Review---> Love Song Waltzes, New Love Song Waltzes, Dixit Dominus; March, 1999

. Mark Morris Dance Group site..........A reader comments