When I direct, observe, and teach performers- I face the same paradoxical phenomena in all three situations. The necessity of technique and its stagnating damaging effect on the performer.  The question then is “What is talent and the role of technique in training?”  

In the ‘80s, I attended a performance of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company at Lincoln Center with my 4-year-old son. Young beautiful dancers moved their limber bodies in perfect technical unison in interesting abstract patterns.  It was pleasant to watch but everybody around, including me, was not really engaged as they watched.  There would be slight movements and coughing among the audience members and…