Modern-dance choreographer, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Swimming and painting scholarships took him to Syracuse University, and he subsequently studied modern dance with Merce Cunningham and Martha Graham. He began choreographing in 1954, and developed a highly original and witty style, which often uses classical music to contemporary effect. The Paul Taylor Dance Company was founded in 1954, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004 with a tour of all 50 American states. The Company has also toured extensively under the aegis of the US Department of State and has represented the United States at arts festivals in more than 40 countries.
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 performed in the companies of Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, and George Balanchine, and founded the Paul Taylor Dance Company in 1954.
The use of everyday gestures rather than dance moves is characteristic of his choreography.
'In his chatty autobiography Private Domain (1987), Taylor mentions sexual encounters with both men and women, yet concludes that "As far as romance goes, I can forget it."'
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