I was part of a panel discussion on the arts in Boulder last night, held at the Center for Conscious Living. Marj Hahn did a great job raising an audience of about 80 people, and of moderating and stimulating discussion. I really enjoyed being there, to listen and offer my thoughts, based on many,many years touring, performing, teaching in dance and Dance Theatre. I have worked at all levels, from City Center in New York City to physical theatre piece in a converted factory in Europe. Anyway, it came up that, for me, one of the difficulties with Dance ( capital “d”) as an art form is that most people have never seen “great dance” in their lives. I didn’t mention it, but many, or perhaps most, wouldn’t recognize it when they did. I was referring to the works of some of the usual suspects: Balanchine, Cunningham, Graham, Nikolais, Taylor, Tharp, and Brown, to name a few. I hastened to add a reference to Snake Hips Tucker, a name most haven’t heard of unless you have studied Black Dance history. He was renowned his erotic dancing with a tassel dangling from his belt, for one, but there is something about his highly-articulate sense of grace, understated style and commitment to the movement that leaves the viewer with something more. He was a great artist, and was actually part of an influential group of black dance artists who worked outside of the concert world. Here’s a taste, radically toned down, of his work. Enjoy!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U4ww-MmAY4