I feel very honored that Mr. Taylor took the time to answer a few questions about his life and work in an email interview. Paul Taylor is one of the most prominent and influential choreographers of our time. Yet, in the late 1940’s he was studying painting and swimming on scholarship at Syracuse University when amidst a series of seemingly unrelated dance experiences he was struck by a revelation or, as he describes it in his autobiography Private Domain a “flash of recognition… an unignorable hunch” that he was to become a dancer.
modern dance
Isadora Duncan: Mother of Modern Dance
An innovator ahead of her time, Isadora’s natural and free dance liberated the dance formula and paved the way for the development and acceptance of the modern dance art form.
On a Personal Note: In Performance
Typically my posts at Dance Advantage strive to be informative for a variety of dancers within a wide range of locations. Although, I try to offer my personal thoughts, views, and voice within the articles here, I’ve mostly avoided getting too personal. Posts are rarely about me. These, I relegate to my personal/professional dance blog. […]
Pillow Talk (Jacob’s Pillow, that is)
My little family of three just returned from our summer vacation. Aside from a short trip to the Big Apple in 2006, my husband and I have not indulged in a true holiday for several years now, instead spending time off visiting with family. Now that we have an infant son, vacations come with additional […]
Classic Confusion
What is classical dance? The most inclusive definition I’ve found is used throughout K-12 educational documents and refers to classical dance as: “Dance that has been developed into highly stylized structures within a culture. Generally developed within the court or circle of power in a society.” Rooted in Europe, ballet would probably be considered the […]
A Dancer’s Guide: Tips for College (Part II)
Tips for College Part I dealt with what to expect in technique classes and performance rehearsals, as well as some tips for success in these areas. In continuation of the series, I will highlight two aspects of dance in higher education with which many incoming students have little experience. Improvisation Improvisation may be an entirely […]