Groundbreaking dancer Merce Cunningham (1919–2009) was one of the most influential choreographers of the twentieth century. Known for his longtime collaboration with avant-garde composer John Cage, Cunningham danced with Martha Graham until he formed his own company in 1953. He garnered wide acclaim over seven decades for his constant innovation as he expanded the boundaries of contemporary art, visual arts, performing arts, and music. This year, we celebrate his 100th birthday and legacy around the world.

As part of the centennial celebration, Laguna Dance Festival will present a “MinEvent,” an uninterrupted sequence of excerpts of works by Merce Cunningham. Site-specific MinEvents will be held throughout 2019, and Merce Cunningham dancer and educator Silas Riener will stage this MinEvent on dancers from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance to be performed at the Laguna Art Museum.