THE COLLEGE OF DANCE

JACK CUNNINGHAM
(OCTOBER 2020)

MODERN CONTEMPORARY
CHOREOGRAPHER
 My chosen modern contemporary choreographer is Matthew Bourne.

> About: Matthew Bourne is widely hailed as one of the UK's most popular and successful
Choreographer/Directors. He is the creator of the world's longest running ballet production, a five-
time Olivier Award-winner, and the only British director to have won a Tony Award for both Best
Choreographer and Best Director of a Musical. He is noticeable known for his uniquely updated
interpretations of traditional ballet repertoire.

> His works: Oliver, South Pacific, My Fair Lady Mary Poppins (West End Musicals), several
contemporary adaptions of classic films, ballets and stories, e.g. Edward Scissorhands, Swan
Lake (nominated for an Emmy Award), The Red Shoes, The Nutcracker, Cinderella etc.

> His appeal: Bourne’s work is very appealing to me. As a male dancer & choreographer myself I
look up to him as a successful male in the industry. He has broken boundaries and changed the
world of modern contemporary dance.

I’m not a fan of classical ballet but I could sit and watch Bourne’s modern contemporary takes on
classical ballets (Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella) for hours and love it.
His unique re-telling of the story is mind-blowing but his stunning contemporary choreography
that is still rich with technical ballet is captivating to watch as an audience member.

He creates gorgeous picturesque lines for his dancers. These lines aren’t just choreography or
dance steps - they are part of the story and that’s what I love about him. He doesn’t just create
dance moves. He dances the story.

His productions are classical at heart with a dollop of fresh, modern heart that draws the audience
in. He creates a world of stunning contemporary choreographer with amazing dancers that makes
it more than a show - it makes it an experience.

Even when working on musical theatre, Bourne leaves his contemporary ballet mark on the
show’s choreography. This can be seen in Mary Poppins & My Fair Lady.

In my opinion he is one of the greatest choreographers of the modern world - especially in

contemporary dance.