Stride

Renee Kimball, Sharon Kinney, Jeanne Nuchtern, Twyla Tharp

Stride explores the relationship between movement and architecture. Filmed by Robert Barry on the roof of the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now known as the Polytechnic Institute of NYU). The four animate, moving dancers are juxtaposed with the inanimate, man-made structure, as they dance at right angles to each other and parallel to the surrounding space. The costumes – grey unitards – are lined with panels of dark fabric under the arms and along the inseam, areas of the body that generate the most heat. The costume design mimics the dark, steel beams that stand out in contrast against the light sky.

Screen captures from Stride showing the roof of The Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.

This film has never been screened in its entirety. Excerpts are included in Twyla Tharp’s Scrapbook (1983) broadcast by WNET/Thirteen.