August Pace:1989-2019 will be available for viewing on OVID beginning October 10 as part of its Dance Collection!

Cunningham Technique®

Merce Cunningham teaching at Westbeth. Photo by James Klosty 1971

Key Concepts

Cunningham Technique is a rigorous form of training designed to create strength and flexibility of both the body and the mind.


Merce Cunningham Dance Company in Points in Space. Photo by Lois Greenfield 1987.

Torso and Legwork

Cunningham Technique develops clarity, strength and flexibility in both the spine and legwork. The torso and legs are used either in coordination or opposition to one another.
Merce Cunningham Dance Company in CRWDSPCR. Photo by Nan Melville 1993

Spatial Awareness

Spatial Awareness is gained by implementing multiple changes of direction within a single phrase where any point in the space can be the dancer's front. In more advanced work, various parts of the body move simultaneously in multiple directions.
Merce Cunningham Dance Company in Roaratorio. Photo by Julieta Cervantes 2011

Rhythmic Accuracy

A variety of meter and tempo are given throughout the class to build a foundation for rhythmic precision and dynamic movement.
Cunningham Technique - Elementary Level (1984)

Introduction to the Technique

This video of the Elementary Level classes in 1984 demonstrates exercises and movement combinations that form the foundation for the Cunningham Technique.

As Told By Merce

Watch Merce explain the origins of the Cunningham Technique and how he has used it throughout the years.
Read Merce's Technique Essays

Take a Class

Cunningham Technique is taught daily in New York City and elsewhere around the globe.
See Available Classes

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