Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker

Definition

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker is a Belgian choreographer and dancer known for her innovative contributions to contemporary dance. She is celebrated for her exploration of the relationship between movement, music, and space, often incorporating elements from various disciplines to create a holistic artistic experience. Her work has not only shaped contemporary dance but also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in performance art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. De Keersmaeker studied at the Mudra school in Brussels, founded by Maurice Béjart, which laid the foundation for her innovative dance career.
2. Her landmark piece 'Rosa' (1983) showcased her signature style, featuring intricate choreography set to the music of Steve Reich, exemplifying her interest in the interplay between dance and music.
3. De Keersmaeker's works often challenge traditional notions of narrative in dance, instead focusing on the physicality of movement and its relationship to time.
4. She has collaborated with a variety of artists from different fields, including visual artists and musicians, demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary practices.
5. Her contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognition within the dance community, solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary dance.

Review Questions

• How has Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker influenced the relationship between dance and music in contemporary performance?
  • Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker has significantly influenced the relationship between dance and music by emphasizing rhythm, structure, and timing in her choreography. Her works often feature complex musical scores that are integral to the movement itself, creating a dialogue between sound and motion. For instance, in pieces like 'Rosa', she aligns choreography with musical patterns, showcasing how both elements can complement each other to enhance the overall artistic experience.
• Discuss the role of interdisciplinary collaborations in Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's work and how they contribute to contemporary dance.
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations play a crucial role in Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's work, as she often integrates diverse artistic forms such as visual arts and live music into her performances. This approach not only broadens the scope of contemporary dance but also enriches the audience's experience by merging different sensory elements. By working with artists from various disciplines, she creates a multi-faceted environment that challenges conventional boundaries and encourages viewers to engage with dance in new ways.
• Evaluate the impact of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's choreographic style on the evolution of contemporary dance and its significance in the context of interdisciplinary practices.
  • Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's choreographic style has profoundly impacted the evolution of contemporary dance by introducing innovative structures that emphasize clarity and repetition. Her focus on physicality and the integration of various art forms have inspired a generation of dancers and choreographers to explore new avenues for expression. In doing so, she has elevated contemporary dance as an art form capable of engaging audiences on multiple levels, reflecting broader cultural shifts towards interdisciplinary practices that resonate across diverse artistic mediums.

Related terms

Pina Bausch: A renowned German choreographer and dancer who was a pioneer of Tanztheater, blending dance and theater to express complex human emotions.

Rosas: The dance company founded by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker in 1983, known for its distinctive choreography that emphasizes clarity and precision in movement.

Minimalism: An art movement characterized by simplicity and focus on the essentials, influencing De Keersmaeker's choreography through its use of repetitive patterns and structures.