I use the computer as a tool. Like chance or the camera or the other tools I've used, it can open my eye to other ways of seeing or of making dances. It's not simply to do a trick.

The quote "I use the computer as a tool. Like chance or the camera or the other tools I've used, it can open my eye to other ways of seeing or of making dances. It's not simply to do a trick" by Merce Cunningham reflects his philosophy of using technology and innovation as instruments for artistic exploration rather than mere spectacle. He compares the computer to other creative tools he has employed—such as chance operations and the camera—highlighting their role in expanding his vision and offering new perspectives in choreography.

Merce Cunningham, a pioneering American choreographer and dancer, was known for revolutionizing modern dance through experimentation and collaboration with artists in music, visual arts, and technology. This quote comes from his later career, when he began incorporating computer programs like DanceForms to experiment with movements and spatial arrangements before bringing them into the studio. His approach viewed the computer as a creative partner, not just a mechanical aid.

The reference to "chance" connects to Cunningham’s famous use of chance operations—inspired by composer John Cage—to determine aspects of a dance, such as order of sequences or positioning. By linking chance, the camera, and the computer, he underscores his openness to unconventional methods that challenge habitual thinking and encourage fresh artistic possibilities.

Ultimately, Cunningham’s words emphasize that technology and tools should serve creativity rather than overshadow it. The goal is not to use the computer “to do a trick,” but to engage with it as a means of discovery and innovation, fostering new ways to see, think, and create in the world of dance.