During nearly a century of dance emancipation, three artists broke ranks and became
three of the most original movement creators and free thinkers of their generation.
MERCE CUNNINGHAM: Today’s greatest living choreographer
GUS SOLOMON Jr.: A leading figure in postmodern and experimental dance
DONALD BYRD: The most unconventional provocateur and dance maker/thinker

After dancing with Martha Graham Company from 1935 to 45, CUNNINGHAM formed his own Merce Cunningham Dance Company at Black Mountain College in the summer of 1953.  

Upon graduation with his Bachelor of Architecture degree from M.I.T, SOLOMON Jr. decided to pursue dance in New York, performing with Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham’s companies, among others, while also forming his own troupe, The Solomon’s Company/Dance, in 1972.

After receiving his training at The Cambridge School of Ballet, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, and with Mia Slavenska, BYRD broke free, and joined Gus Solomon Company/Dance in the spring on 1976. He later formed Donald Byrd/THE GROUP in 1978, and went on to become Spectrum Dance Theater’s new visionary Artistic Director in 2002.

 
Spectrum Dance Theater is resident dance company at The Moore Theatre