Film

Coinciding with the centennial of legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham, If the Dancer Dances invites viewers into the intimate world of the dance studio. Stephen Petronio, one of today’s leading dancemakers, is determined to help his dancers breathe new life into Cunningham’s iconic 1968 work RainForest. With help from three members of the former Cunningham company, the film tracks Petronio’s dancers as they strive to restage this great work, revealing what it takes to keep a dance—and a legacy—alive.

Post-screening Discussion
Director Maia Wechsler, producer Lise Friedman, Stephen Petronio (choreographer, dancer, and artistic director of Stephen Petronio Company), Gus Solomons, Jr. (dancer, choreographer, professor, critic, actor), Rashaun Mitchell (choreographer, performer and teacher), moderated by Joseph V. Melillo (moderator, BAM Executive Producer, Emeritus)