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Out Loud: A Memoir
Before Mark Morris became "the most successful and influential choreographer alive" (The New York Times), he was a six year-old in Seattle cramming his feet into Tupperware glasses so that he could practice walking on pointe.
Moving to New York at nineteen, he arrived to one of the great booms of dance in America. . Morris was flat broke but found a group of likeminded artists that danced together, travelled together, slept together. This collective, led by Morris's fiercely original vision, became the famed Mark Morris Dance Group.
Suddenly, Morris was making a fast ascent. Celebrated by The New Yorker's critic as one of the great young talents, an androgynous beauty in the vein of Michelangelo's David, he and his company had arrived. Collaborations with the likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Yo-Yo Ma, Lou Harrison, and Howard Hodgkin followed. And so did controversy: from the circus of his tenure at La Monnaie in Belgium to his work on the biggest flop in Broadway history. But through the Reagan-Bush era, the worst of the AIDS epidemic, through rehearsal squabbles and backstage intrigues, Morris emerged as one of the great visionaries of modern dance, a force of nature with a dedication to beauty and a love of the body, an artist as joyful as he is provocative.
Out Loud is the bighearted and outspoken story of a man as formidable on the page as he is on the boards. With unusual candor and disarming wit, Morris's memoir captures the life of a performer who broke the mold, a brilliant misfit who found his home in the collective and liberating world of music and dance.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionLGBT
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2019
25 people are currently reading
1180 people want to read
About the author
Mark Morris
143 books40 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 17, 2019
I particularly enjoy Mark Morris’s acerbic tone - he likes what he likes, he has opinions about art and the art form, and he doesn’t care if you like him or not for these opinions. I also liked how honest he was in this memoir regarding the ups and downs of a career in the performing arts - read this for both the history of MMDG as a modern dance company and also for the work it takes to start and maintain a dance company.
October 26, 2023
This review is based on the audiobook. Mark Morris impressed me from my first awareness of him, a PBS Great Performances "Dance in America" episode that aired on 20 June 1986. This was the first nationally televised special on Mark Morris and the Mark Morris Dance Group.
Morris and his career have been a bit hard for me to follow because he has never adhered to a strict path. He relocated to Brussels for a few years in the late 1980s-early 1990s and has engaged in multiple forms of dance. This interesting and well-written 2019 memoir (which he reads himself) filled in many gaps in his fascinating biography and career. For example, his professional and personal relationship with Mikhail Baryshnikov was a revelation. An unexpected resonance was his awareness and acceptance that as a dance group principal, his role as a dancer needed to move into the background as more demands were placed on his leadership. Also, with age comes a begrudging acceptance of his diminishing abilities. He and I are about the same age and my own diminishing athletic abilities and the realization that my training will have to adjust accordingly create great empathy.
Morris and his career have been a bit hard for me to follow because he has never adhered to a strict path. He relocated to Brussels for a few years in the late 1980s-early 1990s and has engaged in multiple forms of dance. This interesting and well-written 2019 memoir (which he reads himself) filled in many gaps in his fascinating biography and career. For example, his professional and personal relationship with Mikhail Baryshnikov was a revelation. An unexpected resonance was his awareness and acceptance that as a dance group principal, his role as a dancer needed to move into the background as more demands were placed on his leadership. Also, with age comes a begrudging acceptance of his diminishing abilities. He and I are about the same age and my own diminishing athletic abilities and the realization that my training will have to adjust accordingly create great empathy.
September 3, 2020
3.5 stars. A blandly written memoir this was not - Morris’s voice comes through loud and clear, often funny, sometimes abrasive. There was more detail than I needed about the development of certain dances, dance world intrigue, etc., but I imagine those are exactly the reasons some people will want to read the book so I wouldn’t call them faults.
November 14, 2019
Firstly, since I live in Seattle, this was very interesting memoir to read and know more about old Seattle. Loved the sarcasm and how Mark Morris was so open about his feelings. It’s very important for LGBTQ to have confidence so no one can bully you and to be able to do that especially back in 60s and 70s, that’s awesome. I loved how clear the author is about his personality and emotions. I learned a great deal about the opera music and dances reading this book. The Hard Nut is happening near me pretty soon and I am excited to watch it now knowing the story, preparation and inspiration that went behind it.
March 2, 2020
What great insight into the way a choreographer works! And not just any choreographer, Mark Morris is celebrated and prolific and most surprising to me, seriously funny.
I've danced and watched dance my entire life but would never be able to choreograph. It's a different skill set. It's knowing music and more! Morris describes his life through choreography from his early ambitions and interest in dance and music through travel and interest in folk dances and regional dance and how he would incorporate all of that into his contemporary pieces.
At times he's wildly inappropriate and also so...Out Loud. His voice comes through so clear and with flamboyance. He talks about his family and his lovers and being gay and teaching and working and collaborating. At times I was reminded of David Sedaris.
I think you could read this without knowing much about dance-- he is thorough in his descriptions but not completely esoteric. For a dance lover this was a wonderful read!
I've danced and watched dance my entire life but would never be able to choreograph. It's a different skill set. It's knowing music and more! Morris describes his life through choreography from his early ambitions and interest in dance and music through travel and interest in folk dances and regional dance and how he would incorporate all of that into his contemporary pieces.
At times he's wildly inappropriate and also so...Out Loud. His voice comes through so clear and with flamboyance. He talks about his family and his lovers and being gay and teaching and working and collaborating. At times I was reminded of David Sedaris.
I think you could read this without knowing much about dance-- he is thorough in his descriptions but not completely esoteric. For a dance lover this was a wonderful read!
October 30, 2019
Fantastic book. I learned a ton, and Morris’ authorial voice is refreshingly acerbic yet kind.
January 7, 2020
I came up as a serious ballet dancer in the 80's, only really finding modern dance in my 20's after a dance hiatus. Mark talks about a time in dance that I knew really well and accurately describes that era in all its messed up glory. Drinking with Misha in a gothic bar with coffins in the incredibly weird city of Brussels? Bejart? Fun times. Blazed golf cart riding at White Oak? Had to be there.
MM's choreography and place in the dance world are unparalleled. His dance, while fairly balletic, doesn't read cliché like much of Taylor, but is also more relatable in terms of emotionality than, say, Cunningham. I really enjoyed reading about his growing into himself as a choreographer, as well as his stories about working with various other artists.
This memoir definitely skews towards the music geek, which is great. By the end there were tons of works/artists that I had earmarked to check out later. Before reading this I hadn't known about MM's capacity as a musician.
Mark Morris" voice really comes through in this writing. Acerbic, but still likeable, honest about his own foibles, and unapologetic. I appreciate someone who writes without resorting to self deprecation or a hint of martyrdom. I like coming away feeling that take it or leave it as you like, MM doesn't particularly care, he is just telling his story.
MM's choreography and place in the dance world are unparalleled. His dance, while fairly balletic, doesn't read cliché like much of Taylor, but is also more relatable in terms of emotionality than, say, Cunningham. I really enjoyed reading about his growing into himself as a choreographer, as well as his stories about working with various other artists.
This memoir definitely skews towards the music geek, which is great. By the end there were tons of works/artists that I had earmarked to check out later. Before reading this I hadn't known about MM's capacity as a musician.
Mark Morris" voice really comes through in this writing. Acerbic, but still likeable, honest about his own foibles, and unapologetic. I appreciate someone who writes without resorting to self deprecation or a hint of martyrdom. I like coming away feeling that take it or leave it as you like, MM doesn't particularly care, he is just telling his story.
August 22, 2022
I “read” this as an audio book read by Mark Morris. That was a great experience because you knew that when he threw in some snark about Twyla Tharp or others, that the author truly meant to convey that. Morris would definitely make a fascinating lunch or dinner companion. I enjoyed the survey of the dance world over the past 40 or so years. Morris pulls no punches and name drops a little too often for my taste, but he is equally willing to turn his sharp eye and tongue on himself. After finishing this book I had no doubt that I knew the story of Morris’s life from his perspective. I don’t always feel that after reading every memoir.
I particularly enjoyed his discussions of how he works with collaborators (music, art) in creating his dances. I have seen a few of his works, and this book makes me want to see more if I get the chance. I feel that he really opened up his process to the reader as much as any creator is able to do so. If you are interested in the creative process, you should read this book (or at least parts of it).
Mark Morris comes address as someone who is intellectually curious, open to new experiences and living and living life according to his personal code (I appreciated his distinction between being active and being busy.). He is upfront about it and doesn’t seek to impose that code on others. If I’m lucky my path will cross his or others like him and they will enrich my life as well.
If you like dance and/or a good storyteller, I recommend this book.
Oh and if I ever make it to India and the Chennai Festival of Music and Dance, I will have Mark Morris and his vivid and enthusiastic description of it to thank for it!
I particularly enjoyed his discussions of how he works with collaborators (music, art) in creating his dances. I have seen a few of his works, and this book makes me want to see more if I get the chance. I feel that he really opened up his process to the reader as much as any creator is able to do so. If you are interested in the creative process, you should read this book (or at least parts of it).
Mark Morris comes address as someone who is intellectually curious, open to new experiences and living and living life according to his personal code (I appreciated his distinction between being active and being busy.). He is upfront about it and doesn’t seek to impose that code on others. If I’m lucky my path will cross his or others like him and they will enrich my life as well.
If you like dance and/or a good storyteller, I recommend this book.
Oh and if I ever make it to India and the Chennai Festival of Music and Dance, I will have Mark Morris and his vivid and enthusiastic description of it to thank for it!
January 17, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed Mark Morris' memoir. I've seen his work at historic Jacob's Pillow and loved it. He's a musical genius and knows how to create all kinds of dances. I enjoyed learning about his process, what's going through his head, his strengths and insecurities, he tells it all. He's outspoken throughout the book, sometimes a little TMI for my liking, but he's funny, real, smart, and engaging. The most impressive and generous thing he did for Brooklyn and the NYC dance community was the building of the Mark Morris Dance Center. (It of course served a purpose for his own company as well) A beautiful, functional rehearsal/dance space that small or struggling troupes can rent out for 10 bucks a day. He also started a program for Parkinson's patients that continues throughout the USA today, something I'd love to learn and teach at some point. His voice really leaves a lasting impression and this book was totally worth my interest and time spent reading! He also really loved his mom, Maxine!
February 10, 2020
Audiobook version. This was an impulsive choice of an audiobook for me, not on any "want to read" list, but available immediately when I needed to download an audiobook from the library.
I enjoyed it. I don't know much about dance at all, although I had seen Mark Morris's choreography for a production of Rameau's opera, Plateé, at the Berkeley Early Music Festival a number of years ago.
Morris loves classical music and ventures far beyond the standard ballet repertoire to
explore new and innovative compositions, and explores music from the renaissance and baroque eras which has not usually been thought of as dance music. His dance is very closely tied to the musical score; he has always insisted on using live musicians for his performances and was an innovator in this regard.
He was born in Seattle in 1956 and received his early dance training there. By his teenage years he was already choreographing works for local dance troupes. Spanish and Flamenco dance were important early influences. By the 1990's he had established the Mark Morris Group, which is still and active and prominent dance group.
The books has lots of interesting discussions about the issues involved in establishing, running and developing a professional arts organization.
He grew up in the sexual revolutions of the 1960's; he was out as gay by the time he reached his school; the memoir is frank and explicit about his gay identify and many gay encounters as well as a long term relationship, now ended.
There is lot's of detailed discussion about specific pieces of music and how he went about creating the dances that go with them; for me that was the most rewarding part of the book. At times
there was lots of talk about luminaries of the dance world, most of whom I had never heard of; I glazed over a little bit, listening to those parts. But over-all this was a rewarding book.
I enjoyed it. I don't know much about dance at all, although I had seen Mark Morris's choreography for a production of Rameau's opera, Plateé, at the Berkeley Early Music Festival a number of years ago.
Morris loves classical music and ventures far beyond the standard ballet repertoire to
explore new and innovative compositions, and explores music from the renaissance and baroque eras which has not usually been thought of as dance music. His dance is very closely tied to the musical score; he has always insisted on using live musicians for his performances and was an innovator in this regard.
He was born in Seattle in 1956 and received his early dance training there. By his teenage years he was already choreographing works for local dance troupes. Spanish and Flamenco dance were important early influences. By the 1990's he had established the Mark Morris Group, which is still and active and prominent dance group.
The books has lots of interesting discussions about the issues involved in establishing, running and developing a professional arts organization.
He grew up in the sexual revolutions of the 1960's; he was out as gay by the time he reached his school; the memoir is frank and explicit about his gay identify and many gay encounters as well as a long term relationship, now ended.
There is lot's of detailed discussion about specific pieces of music and how he went about creating the dances that go with them; for me that was the most rewarding part of the book. At times
there was lots of talk about luminaries of the dance world, most of whom I had never heard of; I glazed over a little bit, listening to those parts. But over-all this was a rewarding book.
December 9, 2023
Written in a chatty, conversational tone, this book reads like Morris holding forth at a corner table at the bar, two to three drinks in. It’s fascinating when he’s talking about dance and music, but fairly pedestrian when he’s simply relating other details about his life (of which there are more than I really think necessary). The biographical details don’t really add to an overall narrative, and they aren’t artfully told, so they kind of come across as narcissistic. (“Hey, this is a book about ME! I’m going to tell you about everything I ever did or thought!”)
So, two stars as a memoir/autobiography, four stars as a treatise on art — bottom line: I wouldn’t pick it up unless you’re already interested in modern dance, but if you are, definitely worth reading.
And I will definitely go see the Mark Morris Dance Group if I get a chance!
So, two stars as a memoir/autobiography, four stars as a treatise on art — bottom line: I wouldn’t pick it up unless you’re already interested in modern dance, but if you are, definitely worth reading.
And I will definitely go see the Mark Morris Dance Group if I get a chance!
November 28, 2019
I absolutely love this (audio)book, and that the author himself reads it. Engaging, entertaining, enriching- I couldn’t put it down and relished the moments I could revisit the story of this creative soul. My background is in lit and visual arts and I came to this book seeking a master’s understanding and vision to nourish my comprehension of the language of dance and movement. I feel satisfied (understatement) but also, lucky that my first venture into dance research led me to try to see through Mark Morris’ eyes— his at-times Ricean aesthetic / worldview being familiar, relatable territory for me, ideologically speaking.
Okay, I love it! Just read the book! Haha...
Okay, I love it! Just read the book! Haha...
June 4, 2020
I love Mark Morris's choreography & have seen a surprising number of the works that he talks about in his book. It brought back some fantastic memories & I also adored the many photos selected as he looks marvellous in them! Anyone who has seen his work will enjoy the behind the scenes glimpse of their creation, but this is also great for those that know nothing about dance as he is eloquent in explaining why dance & the arts are so important. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2020
I studied dance at First Chamber with Mark in Seattle so this was good fun to read. I always thought those apprentices were treated like unpaid laborers.
Mark’s voice in this memoir sounds exactly the same as it did as a 17 year old- no filter. He was fun then and already showing signs of his later genius.
Mark’s voice in this memoir sounds exactly the same as it did as a 17 year old- no filter. He was fun then and already showing signs of his later genius.
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April 24, 2020Really interesting if you go in with basic background history of 20th century modern dance. I loved how straightforward and unapologetic this book is and just doesn't care whether you agree with it or not. It's a memoir. It's lived experience. And it's dance. I didn't know how much I needed to read this until I finished it.
April 16, 2021
Dance world gossip. Whats not to like? Mark Morris has an ego but probably justifiably so and you have to love his reference to choreography as "making up a dance". Not too many holds barred but he seems to give credit where it is due and mostly only a light smack to those that probably deserved it. Very readable. (Purchased secondhand from the Strand Bookstore, NYC)
January 6, 2020
Not at all familiar with Mark Morris, but found myself compelled to find YouTube performances. His marriage of music, movement, and color is extraordinary. Will learn more about him and the music of Lou Harrison.
January 20, 2020
Great for fans of his choreography as he talks about his work processes. Entertainingly snide about Twyla Tharp and some of his peers. Despite a chunk dedicated to homophobia and racism in Brussels, he’s mostly silent about these experiences growing up. Fun read in general.
December 29, 2019
Another of my favorites this year. Funny, outrageous - and most of all fascinating. I loved hearing this memoir read on Audible by the author.
January 31, 2020
Marvelous book about an amazing, creative, outrageous man. It sounds as if he were sitting next to you telling you stories. I couldn't put it down.
April 27, 2022
A delight to read. He’s salty, genuine, and fascinating.
July 9, 2023
A fizzy, easy to read memoir, with co-author brilliantly capturing Morris's voice and personality. For dance fans, Morris fans, and people who like a personality-filled tale of arts and adventures.
August 31, 2024
Chatty, candid, insightful. A wonderful memoir.
December 9, 2019
Probably the most enjoyable book I've read this year.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews