Unexpected synchronicities: Exploring Cunningham's choreography through Derrida's theory of deconstruction

Both Merce Cunningham and Jacques Derrida are credited with underscoring a generation of thought in their respective fields in the late twentieth century. This study investigates an unexplored theoretical synchronicity between these two men using Derrida's theory of deconstruction. Three preliminary tenets of deconstruction---the relentless pursuit of the impossible, the decentering effect of subverting the central term, and the constantly changing and evolving role of meaning---are compared to Cunningham's technique, choreography, and approach to expressive meaning to explore similarities. This information can be used to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Cunningham's work and offers a unique opportunity to discover an unexpected connection between dance and philosophy.