This year, 2019, is a Centennial year of celebration of Merce Cunningham's birth. April 16, 2019 marked choreographer/dancer Merce Cunningham’s 100th birthday, and we are taking the time to reflect on Cunningham’s work and his legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century.

Cunningham was known for his groundbreaking experiments in collaboration with artists from other disciplines. Cunningham’s conscious removal of his own personality in decision-making, left the experience of character, emotion, and story in his choreography to the experience of the viewer, which was complementary to the sensibilities and experiments of his contemporaries in the visual arts. Some of his most notable collaborators are represented in the permanent collection of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, including Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella, and Andy Warhol. So it is most fitting that Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth’s 16th annual Modern Dance Festival at The Modern would tie-in to the international celebration of this seminal artist.

Within a 16-day window at The Modern, a variety of films, videos, lectures, “happenings” or “events” and performances will be offered in the Grand Lobby, the Museum Auditorium, and Gallery 14.  Content directly representing Cunningham’s work is provided courtesy of the Merce Cunningham Trust.

July 26 - 27. 8th Annual Dallas Hip-Hop Dance Festival. The largest National Dance Day celebration in North Texas is back for it's 8th annual dance festival. Featuring street battles, a professional workshop and crew showcase and competition, the Dallas Hip-Hop Dance Fest remains the ultimate urban dance experience in Texas, combining both top-notch dance education and entertainment, with an underground battle and crew competition. Being the first of its kind in the Dallas area, DHDF strives to showcase the positive aspects of the hip-hop culture by highlighting its legacy as an agent of artistic progression. Founder and Executive Producer, Geena Ngaaje, established this event in an effort to not only educate, inspire, and enrich the DFW dance community, but to also nurture and encourage emerging artists and contribute to the evolution of both hip-hop and dance. Showcasing growing and established talent in the South, the Dallas Hip-Hop Dance Festival is more than just an event - it is a celebration of urban artistry. Street Battles, Friday, July 26 — Centre for Dance (7517 Campbell Road Suite 400, Dallas, TX). Workshop, Saturday, July 27 (AM) — Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel (900 East Lookout, Richardson, TX). The Show, Saturday, July 27 (PM) — Eisemann Center (2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, TX). Battle Spectator $10; Workshop $30-$110; The Show $30. Admission and $40 Premium Seating. 972-607-5195

August