ABSTRACT

William Forsythe’s reinvigoration of classical ballet during his 20-year tenure at the Ballett Frankfurt saw him lauded as one of the greatest choreographers of the postwar era. His current work with The Forsythe Company has gone even further to challenge and investigate fundamental assumptions about choreography itself.

William Forsythe and the Practice of Choreography presents a diverse range of critical writings on his work, with illuminating analysis of his practice from an interdisciplinary perspective. The book also contains insightful working testaments from Forsythe’s collaborators, as well as a contribution from the choreographer himself.

With essays covering all aspects of Forsythe’s past and current work, readers are provided with an unparalleled view into the creative world of this visionary artist, as well as a comprehensive resource for students, scholars, and practitioners of ballet and contemporary dance today.

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

The practice of choreography

chapter |18 pages

Of monsters and puppets

William Forsythe's work after the ‘Robert Scott Complex’

chapter |13 pages

Splintered Encounters

The critical reception to William Forsythe in the United States, 1979–1989

chapter |3 pages

Nijinsky's Heir

A Classical Company Leads Modern Dance

chapter |19 pages

Timbral Architectures, Aurality's Force

Sound and music

chapter |16 pages

Dancing Music

The Intermodality of The Forsythe Company

chapter |8 pages

Decreation

Fragmentation and continuity

chapter |11 pages

The Space of Memory

William Forsythe's Ballets