I want to thank you and Emily Coates for the privilege of visiting the studio, and the chance to talk with you afterwards. It is always an honor to be allowed into rehearsal, a vulnerable time of learning and trying things, and I am most appreciative of your warm welcome. I had been reading your blogs all along, and it was wonderful to put names with faces. In response to our meeting, I have blogged back to you. Just as being at Yale was a strange back-to-the future experience–returning to New Haven with a cell phone! a laptop! things we didn’t dream of or imagine back when I was a Yale School of Drama dramturg–so was writing the essay I have posted for you. It is an answer to the question you asked, “Where does Merce Cunningham’s work fit in dance history?” and it isn’t really an answer. It is the beginning of an answer, with the benefit of interviews, photographs, video, and hindsight. So here, in response, is The Way of Merce. I’ll check back with your blogs as you complete this adventure, so you might find me popping up there, too.

With very best wishes, and a “merde!” for tomorrow,
See you soon,

Nancy Dalva
Merce Cunningham Trust Scholar in Residence.