Masters of Modern Dance

Playlist created by FORAtv | 5 videos | view description

Senior correspondent Jeffrey Brown sat down with many of the world’s most renowned modern dance choreographers, from the veteran Paul Taylor to the newest star, Trey McIntyre. In this series, five of them talk in depth about their passion for their craft and how they develop those choreographed performances that have shaped the world of modern dance.

See more playlists »

Paul Taylor Puts Dancers' Morale Above ChoreographyMacNeil/Lehrer Productions - The Paul Taylor Dance CompanyPaul Taylor has been redefining American modern dance for more than 40 years. His groundbreaking pieces and experiments in form have inspired generations of artists and earned him national honors. Taylor discusses his love of dance, his craft and his company with PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeff Brown.REHEARSAL CLIP: The Paul Taylor Dance Company dances a condensed and humorous performance of Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida. Watch a dress rehearsal as Paul Taylor critiques and advises his dancers.

Baryshnikov on Opening the Baryshnikov Arts CenterMacNeil/Lehrer Productions - Baryshnikov Arts CenterDecades after he first took the world by storm, Mikhail Baryshnikov is still dancing, and now in his 60's, he is still recognized as the quintessence of his art form. In 2005, he opened the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City, which provides space and support for creating art. He talked about his illustrious ballet career and nurturing young dancers and choreographers with PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeff Brown.REHEARSAL CLIP: Mikhail dances with the Hell's Kitchen Dance Company in a piece called 'Come In' directed by Aszure Barton who is a choreographer in residence at the Baryshnikov Art Center. Watch a behind the scenes rehearsal of Baryshnikov with the young troupe under the direction of Barton.

Mark Morris: Why the Public Fears Modern DanceMacNeil/Lehrer Productions - The Dance CenterPraised as a refreshingly irreverent master, sometimes derided as a gimmicky smart-alec, Mark Morris has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading modern dance choreographers.Critics have not always been sure what to make of Morris -- or whether to take him seriously. Morris has collaborated with classical star Yo-Yo Ma, as well as Baryshnikov. Morris' work is often grounded in classical forms. Morris says his choreography develops from the score, and his works are set to everything from Bach and Handel to country-western's Louvin Brothers and rock's Violent Femmes. He discusses his artistry with PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeff Brown.REHEARSAL CLIP: Mark Morris leads and critiques his company in a rehearsal of several dance routines. Watch this exclusive behind the scenes footage of the rehearsal session.

Trey McIntyre Dance Company Steals Hearts in HeartlandMacNeil/Lehrer Productions - Trey McIntyre ProjectTrey McIntyre, choreographer and founder of the Trey McIntyre Project, wants to bring dance to as many people in as many different forms as possible. It's why his company performs spontaneous dance events at restaurants and office sites throughout the Boise area. It's also why the Trey McIntyre Project is one of four companies chosen for DanceMotion USA, a State department cultural diplomacy program that will send the companies all over the world. Listen to an extended interview about his project with PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeff Brown.REHEARSAL CLIP: The Trey McIntyre Project will premiere a new collaborative work on February 4 2011 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans with live music from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Watch as Trey leads two of his company dancers in an early stage rehearsal for that new dance piece.