Interview: Mark Morris

Published on Sunday 1 November 2009 10:55

MARK Morris looks like an average bloke – until he starts to move. Slightly heavier than his contemporaries

in the world of dance, his ability was always head and shoulders above the rest and, now that he only rarely performs, is channelled into directing and choreography.

Acclaimed by dance purists and mainstream audiences alike for performances that blend technical expertise, humour and live music, the Seattle-born dancer formed the Mark Morris Dance Group in New York in 1980. Tours of the US and Europe followed, and in 1988 the company was invited to become the national dance company of Belgium, spending three years in residence in Brussels. It returned to the US in 1991 as one of the world's leading dance companies, opening the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn.

Morris is artistic patron of Edinburgh's Dance Base, a link that has seen him being commissioned to create a new piece of work for Off Kilter, a Scottish music and dance extravaganza combining traditional Highland, ballet, hip-hop, Indian classical and contemporary dance, to be performed at Hogmanay.

Mark Morris Dance Group performs on Friday and Saturday at Edinburgh Festival Theatre s part of its UK tour. Off Kilter runs from 29 December to 2 January at Edinburgh Festival Theatre (www.festivaltheatre.org.uk).

Describe your perfect weekend It would involve staying at home and doing a little cooking and reading.

What would you do if you ruled the world?

I would replace myself with a woman.

What one thing would improve your life?

Having lots of money.

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

It was from a colleague and it said, "Do you have a question for me?"

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Guiltlessness.

When did you last feel sorry for yourself?

I never stop feeling sorry for myself.

What do you wish you'd never done?

Read those reviews by that critic.

Would your mother be proud of you?

More than you can ever know.

Who would you like to say sorry to?

The hotel housekeeper I wrongly accused of stealing.

Who does the cleaning in your house?

Me, a little, and Teresa, the fabulous Polish maid, every two weeks.

What is your earliest memory?

Bobbing to music.

What song is the theme tune to your life?

Bach's B Minor Mass.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Meryl Streep.

Should you vote? If yes, how did you vote?

Yes, you should vote early and often. And I voted for Obama.

What worries you in the wee small hours?

Music.

When did you lose your virginity?

Circa age 13.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Sally Wilma. She was my favourite because she treated us as though we were conscious and responsible.

When were you last naked in front of another person?

I'm naked in front of another pretty much daily.

What's the most you've ever spent on a purchase, apart from a car or property?

I have no idea.

Who is your fantasy date?

Hugh Jackman.

What would you do if you were invisible?

Roger Federer.

What is your most treasured possession?

My mind.

What do you remember better, your first car or first kiss?

My first car. It was a Dodge Dart.

If you didn't have your current career, what would you do?

I would rest.

What do you think of celebrity?

It's nice to be able to get a table at a wonderful restaurant.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Staying interested.

How old are you?

53.

This article was first published in the Scotland on Sunday on November 1, 2009