The emergence of Judson Dance Theater in New York City in the 1960s is often cited as the beginning of what has become known as “postmodern dance,” coinciding with a moment when the boundaries between dance and other artistic practices were becoming increasingly permeable and fluid. The work produced during this time (and frequently performed at Judson Church) has had a profound effect on the way both audiences and artists conceive of the role of performance and the body in contemporary culture.

Presented as part of the New Museum’s RE:NEW RE:PLAY Performance Residence Series, “Rethinking the Imprint of Judson Dance Theater Fifty Years Later: Movement Research in Residence” provided the focus for a four-month-long residency with Movement Research on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the first performance at Judson Dance Theater (July 6, 1962).

On September 16, Movement Research (MR) solicited questions from the greater MR community regarding the imprint that Judson Dance Theater (1962–64) continued to make on contemporary performance. Four questions were selected by attendees as focus topics for further investigation by artists nominated to lead a series of week-long performance laboratories and open rehearsals at the New Museum. In “Final Presentations for Rethinking the Imprint of Judson Dance Theater Fifty Years Later,” those artists shared the results of their investigations for further consideration in an afternoon filled with performance, experimentation, and lively debate. Carla Peterson (Artistic Director, New York Live Arts) emceed in this event.