Erick Hawkins discovered dance while he was a classics student at Harvard. He was the first student to enroll in George Balanchine's School of American Ballet in 1934.

In 1938, he began a long association with Martha Graham. He was the first male dancer to join the company. He remained with Martha Graham's company as dancer and choreographer until 1950.

In 1951, Hawkins opened his own school, which we led with spirit and vitality until his death in 1994.

Erick Hawkins believed in the power of live music and never once performed to recorded music. His study of the science of kinesiology led to the unprecidented grace and fluidity of his choreography.

This performance and interview from 1964 offers a unique view of a seminal figure in the evolution of modern dance.

Some places to check for additional information:

• A brief biography of Erick Hawkins
• An interview with Lucia Dlugoszewski Hawkin's wife and collaborator. She appears in the video performing the live music that accompanies the dance pieces.

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• Erick Hawkins 1964
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