Jonathan Wolken

Jonathan Wolken was an American dancer, choreographer, and a pivotal co-founder of the innovative dance company Pilobolus. His collaborative and acrobatic approach to modern dance, blending athletics, sculpture, and absurdist theater, helped redefine the art form in the late 20th century. Wolken served as a principal dancer and artistic director for the company, creating numerous works performed worldwide, including on stages like The Joyce Theater and for events like the Academy Awards. His career was marked by a unique fusion of scientific inquiry and artistic expression, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary dance.

Early life and education

Jonathan Wolken was born in New York City to a family with strong intellectual and artistic leanings; his father, Sidney J. Wolken, was a prominent cell biologist at the University of Pittsburgh. He spent his formative years in Pittsburgh, where he was exposed to both the sciences and the arts from an early age. Wolken attended Dartmouth College, initially pursuing studies in philosophy and biology, reflecting his dual interests. It was during a dance class taught by Alison Becker Chase at Dartmouth in 1971 that he, alongside fellow students Moses Pendleton and Steve Johnson, began the collaborative experiments that would lead to the formation of Pilobolus.

Career with Pilobolus

Following their informal beginnings, Wolken, Pendleton, and Johnson, soon joined by Robbie Barnett, Lee Harris, and Martha Clarke, formally established the Pilobolus Dance Theatre in 1973. Wolken quickly became a central figure as a performer, choreographer, and later, an artistic director. He was instrumental in developing the company's signature style of weight-sharing, acrobatic partnering and collective choreography. Key early works he co-created include the iconic Pilobolus and Ciona. Under his guidance, the company gained international fame, performing at venues such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music and appearing on television programs like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Choreographic style and influence

Wolken's choreographic philosophy was deeply rooted in collaboration, often described as a "collective mind" where individual identities merged into a singular, organic form. His works were characterized by intricate, biomorphic shapes, surreal imagery, and a playful, often humorous exploration of human relationships and physics. Influences ranged from M. C. Escher's optical illusions to the Dada movement. This innovative approach expanded the vocabulary of modern dance, influencing subsequent generations of physical theater companies like MOMIX and Cirque du Soleil. His piece The Empty Suitor exemplifies his narrative wit, while Day Two showcased his abstract, sculptural prowess.

Later work and legacy

In the later decades of his career, Wolken continued to lead Pilobolus, steering it through various artistic phases and overseeing its expansion into commercial projects, advertising, and film. He co-created the celebrated shadow piece Dog ID and led the company's memorable performance at the 79th Academy Awards. Following his death from leukemia in 2010, his legacy has been preserved through the ongoing work of Pilobolus, which continues to tour globally. The company's method, largely codified by Wolken, is taught in workshops worldwide, and his contributions are recognized by institutions like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Personal life

Jonathan Wolken married dancer and Pilobolus company member Clare Byrne; the couple had two children and resided in Washington, Connecticut. He was known for his intellectual curiosity, which extended beyond dance into areas such as chess, mathematics, and cognitive science. His battle with leukemia was a private one, and he continued to work creatively until shortly before his death at his home in Connecticut. He is remembered by colleagues and the dance community for his visionary leadership, sharp wit, and profound influence on the collaborative nature of American dance.

Category:American choreographers Category:American modern dancers Category:1949 births Category:2010 deaths Category:Dartmouth College alumni Category:Pilobolus