Arlington Community Education

In many significant ways, the Beatles and Bob Dylan influenced an entire generation. But how did they influence each other? Some of their interactions in the mid-1960s were obvious examples, with Dylan’s lyrics inspiring the expanded lyrical content in the songwriting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and future fellow Wilbury George Harrison, and the Fabs' Mersey Beat was a catalyst in Dylan's decision to "Go Electric." Yet by the end of the decade, they had switched places, with the Beatles lyrics - psychedelic and otherwise - becoming increasingly poetic, while Dylan (temporarily) simplified his lyrics on albums like 1969’s Nashville Skyline. But their influences go back much further and deeper than that. Dylan originally wanted to be Little Richard, while all Liverpool bands began by playing “skiffle” music, influenced by Woody Guthrie acolyte Lonnie Donegan. Using audio, literary, and video evidence, The Influence the Beatles & Bob Dylan had on each other, will be a two-hour exploration of the two most influential musical entities of the 1960s, from their earliest influences to their many collaborations, compositions, quotes, and tributes by and about each other over the past 50 years.

Please note: Class dates have changed from Mondays to Wednesdays. Enhance your appreciation of dance as an exciting and ever-changing performance art. Develop an overall familiarity with dance as a contemporary art form through readings, video, and discussion. Enlarge your critical perspective by discussing issues in dance, comparing points of view of major choreographers, and considering their particular contributions. We will explore many 20th century choreographers and significant dance figures including: Isadora Duncan, Nijinsky, Ballet Russe, Balanchine, Ruth St. Denis, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Merce Cunningham, Katherine Dunham, Liz Lerman, Bill T. Jones, Mark Morris, Alvin Ailey, Jose Limon, Pilobolus, Twyla Tharp, and Judson Church.