The use of chance operations opened out my way of working. The body tends to be habitual. The use of chance allowed us to find new ways to move and to put movements together that would not otherwise have been available to us. It revealed possibilities that were always there except that my mind hadn't seen them.

The quote "The use of chance operations opened out my way of working. The body tends to be habitual. The use of chance allowed us to find new ways to move and to put movements together that would not otherwise have been available to us. It revealed possibilities that were always there except that my mind hadn't seen them." comes from Merce Cunningham, the influential American choreographer and dancer whose work redefined modern dance in the 20th century. In this statement, Cunningham reflects on how integrating chance operations—random decision-making methods—transformed his creative process and broke the habitual patterns of movement that the body naturally falls into.

The meaning behind the quote centers on the idea that chance can be a powerful tool for creative innovation. Cunningham acknowledges that dancers and choreographers often repeat familiar movements unconsciously, limiting the scope of their work. By using chance operations—such as tossing coins, rolling dice, or using random number charts to determine sequences—he discovered new combinations and possibilities that his mind alone would not have conceived. This approach challenged preconceptions and allowed for a more expansive exploration of movement.

The origin of this method comes from Cunningham’s collaborations with avant-garde artists like composer John Cage, who famously used chance in music composition. Inspired by Cage’s philosophy, Cunningham began applying similar techniques to choreography in the 1950s. For him, the use of chance was not about relinquishing control entirely, but about breaking free from predictable habits and opening himself to movements and arrangements that existed in potential but remained unseen without deliberate randomness.

Ultimately, Cunningham’s words highlight the role of openness and experimentation in artistic growth. By embracing chance operations, he expanded the vocabulary of modern dance and encouraged artists to look beyond the limits of conscious planning. His approach revealed that innovation often comes from allowing the unexpected to guide the creative process, uncovering possibilities that were always there—just waiting to be noticed.