Pieces of History

    Last night was one of those evenings that I hope never to forget.  I went to an Alumni performance at Temple University with my good friend Melissa Chisena.  We were there to support Janet Pilla, who is in the company that Melissa and I dance for.  She performed a 30 minute solo titled The Farewell by Pauline Koner.  As we sit down to watch the solo Melissa says,”I think she [Pauline] is one of those people we should probably know about.” (You see, Melissa and I didn't go to college and have never taken any sort of dance history course)   As soon as the piece began I knew it was the case.  The piece was choreographed in memory of Doris Humphrey and included a projection of poetry written by Pauline.  It spoke of several aspects of life including youth, love, and death.  It is one of those pieces that stands the test of time due to its relevance to humanity.  After the performance, my new boss, Jeanne Ruddy, sits down by us to tell us about Pauline and the history of the piece.  Pauline had been a professor of hers.  

    I was never much of a history buff in school and if I had gone to college I don’t know if I would have fully appreciated a dance history course.  I would like to think that I would have.  At this point, I am so taken aback by moments like last evening.  I am overwhelmed by honor and gratitude that I am able to experience them and often times just by stumbling upon them.  I have found lately that I have been lucky enough to work with people, like Jeanne, who have worked with some of our great Modern Dance Pioneers first hand.  I feel so lucky and it makes me want to absorb as much as I can.

Click here to read an article on Pauline Koner