Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor (born July 29, 1930) is one of the foremost American choreographers of the 20th century. He was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and attended Syracuse University (on scholarships in painting and swimming), where he first took up dance. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School and the American Dance Festival at Connecticut College. In 1952 his dancing at the American Dance Festival attracted the attention of choreographers Ma... more

Paul Taylor (born July 29, 1930) is one of the foremost American choreographers of the 20th century. He was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and attended Syracuse University (on scholarships in painting and swimming), where he first took up dance. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School and the American Dance Festival at Connecticut College. In 1952 his dancing at the American Dance Festival attracted the attention of choreographers Martha Graham, José Limón, Charles Weidman, and Doris Humphrey. He performed in the companies of Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, and George Balanchine, and founded the Paul Taylor Dance Company in 1954. Dancers who emerged from his company include Twyla Tharp, Laura Dean, Dan Wagoner, Carolyn Adams, Christopher Gillis, Senta Driver and David Parsons. The use of everyday gestures rather than dance moves is characteristic of his choreography. He has collaborated with painters Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, and Alex Katz, as well as the... less