Choreographer Merce Cunningham Passes Away At 90

The New York Times reports the sad news that acclaimed choreographer Merce Cunningham has died at the age of 90.

Cunningham formed the New York-based Merce Cunningham Dance Company in 1953, creating over two hundred original works for it and continuing to perform himself until he was in his eighties. 

The Cunningham Dance Foundation and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company issued a statement on his passing remarking, "It is with great sorrow that we note the passing of Merce Cunningham, who died peacefully in his home last night of natural causes."

Cunningham collaborated on numerous dance and theater performances with his longtime life partner, composer John Cage, including Root of an Unfocus, Un jour ou deux, An Alphabet, and How to Pass, Kick among many others.

Cunningham was honored with many awards during his long career including the prestigious New York City's Handel Medallion, the Kennedy Center Honors, a MacArthur Fellowship, the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale and the rank of Officier of the French Legion d'Honneur.