NEW YORK CITY (BNO NEWS) — Merce Cunningham, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, has died at his home on Sunday, a spokeswoman told BNO News on Monday. He was 90-years-old.

“On behalf of the Cunningham Dance Foundation and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, it is with great sorrow that we note the passing of Merce Cunningham, who died peacefully in his home last night of natural causes,” Leah Sandals, a spokeswoman for the foundation, told BNO News.

“Merce saw beauty in the ordinary, which is what made him extraordinary. He did not allow convention to lead him, but was a true artist, honest and forthcoming in everything he did,” Trevor Carlson, executive director of the Cunningham Dance Foundation, said. “His approach to art and life opened so many paths for others — not to follow, but to discover. The world is a lesser place without him, but without question, a better place because of him. We will miss him dearly,” Carlson added.

Even after he turned 90, he went on choreographing for his dancers, telling people as they went to say farewell to him that he was still creating dances in his head. He was often hailed as the world’s greatest choreographer.

“Merce was an artistic maverick and the gentlest of geniuses. We have lost a great man and a great artist, but we celebrate his extraordinary life, his art, and the dancers and the artists with whom he worked,” said Judith Fishman, chairman of the Cunningham Dance Foundation. “To honor Merce, we plan to carry on our efforts to share and preserve his legacy, so that audiences of today and generations of tomorrow may witness the work of his legendary artist.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cunningham Dance Foundation’s Legacy Campaign for the preservation of Merce’s work. Visitors will be received in the Merce Cunningham Studio in Manhattan from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Merce has left an indelible mark on our collective creativity and culture; his legacy will resonate in the dance world and beyond for generations to come,” a foundation statement concluded.