Merce Cunningham, one of the great dancers and choreographers of the 20th century as died, aged 90, at his home in Manhattan.

He started to dance late, at 18, but within two years he was a soloist for the Martha Graham company. He later set up on his own, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and up until he was in each and every performance that the company gave.

He was pre-deceased, in 1992, by his life partner, the composer, John Cage.

His dance company put out this brief statement:

It is with great sorrow that we note the passing of Merce Cunningham,
who died peacefully in his home last night of natural causes