Remy Charlip (1929-2012) was a true Renaissance artist who transformed both the worlds of dance and children's literature. Born in Brooklyn to Lithuanian Jewish parents, his artistic journey began at Cooper Union School of Fine Arts before becoming a founding member of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. His choreographic works appeared on prestigious stages including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Joyce Theater, and Dance Theater Workshop, while his innovative pieces were commissioned by companies worldwide, including the Scottish Theater Ballet, Caracas Taller Dance Theater, Rotterdam Dans, New South Wales Dance Company, and the Joffrey Ballet. He is perhaps best known for inventing "Air Mail Dances," an innovative form of choreography where he mailed illustrated dance figures to performers worldwide for their interpretation. As a performer and choreographer, he collaborated with luminaries like John Cage and Robert Rauschenberg in New York's avant-garde scene. As an award-winning author and illustrator, Charlip created over 30 beloved children's books, including the classic "Fortunately"—a clever tale of alternating luck that has delighted generations—as well as "Arm in Arm" and "Where is Everybody?"—the latter chosen alongside Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat" as a New York Public Library Distinguished Reader. His extraordinary contributions earned him numerous accolades, including four Isadora Duncan Awards, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and recognition as a Literary Laureate by the San Francisco Public Library. Whether as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, author, or illustrator, Charlip approached his art with a profound yet whimsical sensibility that continues to inspire artists across disciplines.
The College of Arts