The Trisha Brown Dance Company breathed new life into an almost forgotten masterpiece, Pelican, during a one-night-only performance on 18 May at Xanadu, a roller skating rink in Brooklyn, New York. Originally conceived by the iconic artist Robert Rauschenberg in 1963, this audacious piece, which merges art and movement, showcases the enduring power of collaboration between visual artists and dancers. With the creative direction of choreographer Tara Lorenzen, the revival offered a captivating glimpse into the innovative spirit of the 1960s New York art scene.
The Mythos of Pelican
Pelican, named for the oversized parachute that dancers wore as makeshift wings, is steeped in an almost mythic aura. Rauschenberg, who passed away in 2008, was primarily celebrated for his “combines”—a fusion of painting and sculpture crafted from found objects. The original iteration of Pelican featured two male dancers on roller skates and a ballerina en pointe, a combination that seems both absurd and thrilling. Yet, only a scant few black-and-white photographs and a brief video clip of the initial performance remain, leaving much to the imagination.
The piece’s inception was as accidental as it was serendipitous. A typographical error in a 1963 arts festival programme mistakenly attributed choreography to Rauschenberg, prompting him to explore this uncharted territory. “I used roller skates as a means of freedom from any kind of inhibitions that I would have,” Rauschenberg once remarked about his foray into dance, a bold experiment that reflects the era’s spirit of artistic exploration.
A Collaborative Revival
Fast forward to 2026, and the Trisha Brown Dance Company embarked on a daring reconstruction of Pelican, blending historical research with contemporary innovation. Dancers Ashley Hod, Rashaun Mitchell, and Silas Riener brought their unique talents to the performance, which was described by Mitchell as “not pedestrian at all. It’s pretty virtuosic in a way, and very high stakes.”
The revival, taking place at a roller skating rink, created a unique atmosphere where the audience sat in folding chairs surrounding the rink, forming a close-knit connection with the performers. As the dancers donned their 8ft parachutes and roller skates, the stage was set for an experiment that would place their physical skills—and trust—in one another to the test.
The Experience of Dance
Pelican is more than just a dance; it is a study in relationships and reliance. The climax of the piece features the two skaters encircling the ballerina, creating a visual effect akin to a music box in motion. Such moments highlight the intimacy and connection forged through dance, as Riener noted: “You feel a lot about a person through their contact when you’re partnering with them.”
The trio’s chemistry was evident from their first rehearsal, where they quickly built rapport during their time at the Rauschenberg Foundation in Florida. This connection translated beautifully on stage, as they glided through the performance, seemingly defying the weight of their costumes and the absurdity of their apparatus.
The Absurdist Narrative
At its core, Pelican is an absurdist love story, a playful exploration of camaraderie and athleticism. It is a joy to witness a performance that, by all logical measures, should falter yet instead flourishes. Rauschenberg’s sentiment from an interview with Brown in 1982 resonates profoundly: “Dance has an energy that makes you glad you’re alive one more minute.”
As the audience watched, it became clear that Pelican is not just a relic of the past; it is a testament to the creative spirit that continues to thrive in contemporary dance.
Why it Matters
The revival of Pelican underlines the significance of artistic collaboration across disciplines, illustrating how the boundaries of dance and visual art can be blurred to create extraordinary experiences. In a world where performance art often seeks to challenge conventions, Pelican stands as a bold reminder of the freedom and joy inherent in creativity. This revival not only celebrates Rauschenberg’s legacy but also invites a new generation to engage with the transformative power of art, ensuring that such masterpieces are never lost to time.
