Wavelengths Knowledge Hub is an evolving platform for performers, dancers, musicians, composers, and live artists, designed to spark learning, creative exchange, and cross-disciplinary connection. Celebrating live performance as a living, ever-shifting art form, it traces the influence of past pioneers while supporting today’s innovators. The Hub fosters fearless experimentation, offering resources, histories, and shared experiences that encourage artists to take risks, push boundaries, and learn from one another. By nurturing an open, collaborative community and preserving the diverse histories of live art, Wavelengths becomes not just a resource but a dynamic network—an expanding constellation of ideas, courage, and creativity shaping the future of performance.

The Hub will spotlight key artists and collaborations between music and dance, from the groundbreaking partnership of John Cage and Merce Cunningham to the dynamic exchanges between Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Steve Reich. Its In-Focus features will explore influential composers such as Meredith Monk, as well as the intersections of film and dance through figures like Yvonne Rainer. The first instalment will centre on Trisha Brown, whose pioneering work propelled dance beyond the theatre and into galleries, streets, and rooftops, redefining the possibilities of movement in public space.

Starter Pack List of Influential Choreographers and Performers

United States (USA)

Martha Graham (1894–1991)Pioneer of modern dance, creator of the Graham technique.

Yvonne Rainer (b. 1934) Key figure in postmodern dance. Founding member of the Judson Dance Theater. Known for minimalist choreography emphasizing everyday movement and challenging traditional dance forms.

Trisha Brown (1936–2017) Experimental postmodern choreographer. Known for site-specific and innovative works.

Merce Cunningham (1919–2009) Avant-garde innovator. Developed chance choreography; close collaboration with composer John Cage.

Alvin Ailey (1931–1989) Celebrated African-American choreographer.Founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Paul Taylor (1930–2018) Known for lyrical modern dance works blending athleticism and theatricality.

Twila Tharp (b. 1941) Blends ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Created works for stage and screen.

José Limón (1908–1972) Modern dance pioneer known for expressive movement vocabulary.

Europe

William Forsythe (b. 1949, USA/Europe) Deconstructed classical ballet. Former Ballet Frankfurt director.

Wayne McGregor (b. 1970, UK) Integrates dance with technology and science. Resident Choreographer, The Royal Ballet.

Pina Bausch (1940–2009, Germany) Tanztheater pioneer blending dance and theater.

Akram Khan (b. 1974, UK/Bangladesh) Combines kathak and contemporary dance.

Mourad Merzou (b. 1973, France) Hip-hop and contemporary fusion.

Crystal Pite (b. 1970, Canada/Europe) Contemporary dance and theatrical storytelling.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (b. 1976, Belgium/Morocco) Cross-cultural choreographer mixing dance styles.

Angelin Preljocaj (b. 1957, France) Contemporary choreographer blending classical and modern dance.

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker (b. 1960, Belgium) Known for minimalist movement and musicality.

Jiri Kylian (b. 1947, Czech Republic/Netherlands) Poetic and expressive ballets, former Nederlands Dans Theater director.

Boris Charmatz (b. 1973, France) Experimental and conceptual dance.

John Neumeier (b. 1939, Germany/USA) Hamburg Ballet director, narrative ballets.

Other Regions & Notables

Ohad Naharin (b. 1952, Israel) Creator of Gaga movement language. Artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company.

Fumiyo Ikeda (Japan/Europe) Contemporary dancer/choreographer, known for work with Sankai Juku and forced entertainment.

Trisha Brown

Yvonne Rainer

William Forsythe