One-Word Titles
Some choreographers have been amazingly succinct in titling their works, and here are just a few examples where the essence of a dance has been distilled into a single word.
Next:
Alonzo King's LINES Ballet
Grace, 2022
Alonzo King’s 2022 program opened with this gem, followed by three other excerpts under the collective title of Four Heart Testaments.
Next:
BODYTRAFFIC
SNAP, 2022
Micaela Taylor’s title was derived from her intention for this dance, urging viewers to ‘snap out of’ social pressures to conform.
Next:
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Antidote, 2022
Antidote had its world premiere at the Pillow’s 2022 Gala, with a title derived from the writings of Al Suhrawardy, a 12th century Sufi poet.
Next:
Elizabeth Streb
Tip, 2021
The custom-made apparatus used in this mesmerizing group work was the obvious source of Streb’s title.
Next:
Natural Dance Theatre
Alice, 2008
This dance by Japanese choreographer Shinji Nakamura derived its title from Alice in Wonderland, combining the spirit of Lewis Carroll’s fantasy with his own childhood memories.
Next:
Susan Marshall & Company
Kiss, 2005
The suspension of time that sometimes accompanies a kiss was Susan Marshall’s point of departure when conceiving this signature work, created in a Pillow residency.
Next:
MOMIX
Passion, 2002
In this full-evening work, Moses Pendleton offers his vision of a world where body, mind, and spirit are united as one.
Next:
Urban Tap
Caravane, 2001
Choreographer/dancer Herbin van Cayseele has his own one-word moniker, as he is widely known as Tamango.
Next:
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Nocturne, 1996
Donald McKayle premiered Nocturne at the Pillow in 1953, more than 40 years before it was seen again here.
Next:
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Pergolesi, 1995
Twyla Tharp made this solo especially for Mikhail Baryshnikov, taking its title from the work’s composer.
Next:
JAZZDANCE by Danny Buraczeski
Fission, 1994
Danny Buraczeski considered this work to be a turning point in his artistic development, using classic jazz music (by Dave Brubeck) for the first time.
Next:
David Parsons
Caught, 1989
This classic David Parsons solo has one of the most apt titles imaginable, as Parsons himself is repeatedly “caught” mid-air.
Next:
Gisela Noriega
Leyenda, 1972
Mexican dancer/choreographer Gisela Noriega borrowed her title (which translates as “legend”) from the Albéniz music, as it’s an alternate name for his classic “Asturias.”
Next:
Pearl Primus
Spirituals, 1950
Primus researched, documented, and performed a wide range of African diasporic traditions, including African-American spirituals like this one.
Next:
Jean Léon Destiné & Jeanne Ramon
Martinique, 1950
The title of this traditional dance is an homage to the Caribbean island of the same name, where Creole dances like this one were commonly practiced.
Explore Playlists
José Limón
Chaconne, 1948
José Limón took the title of his dance from Bach’s music, which has been added to a silent film of Limón himself to bring this rare footage to life.