An analysis and comparison of the choreographic processes of Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis, and Phyllis Lamhut

The purpose of this study was to investigate what each of three professional choreographers perceived to be his choreographic process and to present an analysis and comparison of the information. Criteria used in selection of the three subjects were established and Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis, and Phyllis Lamhut were selected as subjects for the study. The four areas of basic concern for the study were decided: motivation for choreographing; creative process; use and function of the dancers; and evaluation of choreography. Questions basic to the study were determined and questions were then formulated for use in interviewing the subjects. The interviews with each subject were taped in their New York studios and then transcribed, analyzed, discussed, and comparisons were made between the choreographic processes of the three subjects. A summary chart of each choreographer1s key responses to questions basic to the study was placed in the appendices. A comparison chart of the key responses of all three subjects and a chart containing the comparative analysis of the choreographic processes of each of the subjects was placed at the conclusion of Chapter Six