Erick Hawkins

Erick Hawkins was a renowned American dancer and choreographer who played a significant role in the development of Modern Dance. He was closely associated with Martha Graham and her company, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and later formed his own company, the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. Hawkins' work was influenced by John Cage, Merce Cunningham, and Robert Rauschenberg, among others. He was also friends with Isamu Noguchi, who designed sets for many of his productions.

● Early Life and Education

Erick Hawkins was born in Trinidad, Colorado, and began his dance training with Harriet Browne and Doris Humphrey. He later studied at the Denver University and the University of Colorado, before moving to New York City to pursue a career in dance. In New York, he danced with the Ballet Caravan and the Humphrey-Weidman Company, working with choreographers such as Charles Weidman and Doris Humphrey. Hawkins also performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company, alongside dancers like Eric Hawkins' friend, Yuriko Kikuchi.

● Career

Hawkins' career spanned over five decades, during which he worked with many prominent dancers and choreographers, including Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, and Trisha Brown. He was a member of the Martha Graham Dance Company from 1939 to 1951, and later formed his own company, the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, in 1951. The company performed at various venues, including the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, the American Dance Festival, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Hawkins also collaborated with composers such as John Cage, Lou Harrison, and Virgil Thomson, and worked with visual artists like Isamu Noguchi and Robert Rauschenberg.

● Choreographic Style

Hawkins' choreographic style was characterized by its emphasis on Modern Dance principles, as well as his interest in Ballet and Asian Dance forms. He was influenced by the work of Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, and incorporated elements of Hindu Dance and Kabuki into his choreography. Hawkins' dances often featured complex Musical Compositions, and he collaborated with composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Edgard Varèse, and Henry Cowell. His company performed at various festivals, including the Avignon Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Spoleto Festival USA.

● Notable Works

Some of Hawkins' most notable works include "Here and Now with Watchers", "Black Lake", and "Classic Kite Tails". These dances showcased his unique choreographic style, which blended elements of Modern Dance, Ballet, and Asian Dance forms. Hawkins also created works for other companies, including the Joffrey Ballet and the New York City Ballet. His dances were often performed at prominent venues, such as the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Kennedy Center, and the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

● Personal Life

Hawkins was married to Martha Graham from 1948 to 1954, and later married Lucia Dlugoszewski in 1961. He was friends with many prominent artists, including John Cage, Merce Cunningham, and Robert Rauschenberg. Hawkins was also a teacher and educator, and taught at various institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Tisch School of the Arts, and the California Institute of the Arts. He was awarded numerous honors, including the National Medal of Arts, the Capezio Dance Award, and the Dance Magazine Award.

● Legacy

Erick Hawkins' legacy is that of a pioneering choreographer and dancer who played a significant role in the development of Modern Dance. He was a key figure in the New York City dance scene, and his company, the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, was a major force in the development of American dance. Hawkins' work continues to be performed and celebrated today, with companies such as the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Paul Taylor Dance Company performing his choreography. He is remembered as a true innovator, and his contributions to the world of dance are still felt, with influences on choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Trisha Brown, and Mark Morris. Category:Dancers