Merce Cunningham, ground-breaking American choreographer, died today. He was 90.

Cunningham, along with composer John Cage, helped to put Cornish (my alma mater) on the map way back in the 30's. They laid the foundation for the experimental and orignal-work emphasis of the school, which to me, has always been its strongest quality. Cornish continually puts out artists who can self-produce.

Cunningham was born and raised in Centralia, Washington, which is a hick lumber town just a stone's throw from Chehalish, Washington, where coincidentally, legendary choreographer Mark Morris grew up, who could be considered an heir to Cunningham. Something in the water?

While I can make no claim to be a fan of modern dance, Cunningham's impact goes well beyond the dance world, and a nod must be made.