Lynne Taylor-Corbett, a luminary in the world of choreography, passed away on January 12 due to complications from breast cancer. At the age of 78, her death is mourned by many—including her son Shaun Taylor-Corbett—leaving behind a legacy that harmonizes the worlds of ballet, theater, and film into a rich tapestry of artistry. Taylor-Corbett was not just a choreographer; she was an artist who understood the interplay of movement and narrative, creating memorable performances across different stages, from Broadway to Hollywood.
Born on December 2, 1946, in Denver, Colorado, Taylor-Corbett’s aspirations were set early in life. After high school, she relocated to New York City with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, enrolling at the prestigious School of American Ballet. However, she candidly acknowledged that ballet was not her true calling. In an interview with The New York Times, she expressed, “I was never really suited to be a ballet dancer, but I had a gift for theatricality and movement.” This revelation would propel her into the realm of choreography, where she thrived, showcasing her unique talent for combining captivating storytelling with dance.
By the early 1980s, Taylor-Corbett established herself as a significant figure in the dance community. Her collaborations with renowned institutions such as the American Ballet Theater and City Ballet honed her skills and visibility. Recognition soon followed, with commissions from influential dance companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. These experiences allowed her to experiment with varied styles and manifestations of dance, influencing the next generation of performers.
Her Broadway debut came in 1981 with the production of **Shakespeare’s Cabaret**, marking the beginning of a prolific career that saw her return multiple times to the Great White Way. A notable highlight was her involvement with the ambitious musical **Titanic** in 1997, which, despite its short-lived run, made waves in the theater community for its bold choreography. Another project that captured attention was **Swing!** in 2000, a vibrant celebration of jazz and swing music that earned her nominations for both choreography and direction.
However, even with successes, Taylor-Corbett faced challenges common to the theater world. Productions that do not garner audience acclaim often test the resilience of artists. Her show **Chess** opened to mixed reviews in 1988, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Broadway. Despite such hurdles, her work continued to evolve and inspire, demonstrating her ability to navigate the complexities of theatrical production.
Hollywood Impact and Enduring Legacy
Taylor-Corbett’s foray into Hollywood began with the widely acclaimed film **Footloose** in 1984. The electrifying dance sequence with Kevin Bacon became an iconic moment in cinematic history, cementing her status not only as a choreographer but as a creator who understood the medium of film as a platform for artistry. The ripple effects of this work led her to engage in various high-profile projects, including **My Blue Heaven** and **Vanilla Sky**, expanding her influence beyond the stage.
Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s legacy extends far beyond her productions; she leaves behind a rich framework for merging dance with storytelling. Her work continues to resonate in both the fields of theater and film, proving that choreography is not just about movement but about conveying deeper narratives through physical expression. Her death marks not only the loss of an inspirational artist but also a reminder of the vibrancy and importance of dance in our cultural narrative.
She is survived by her son and a supportive family, all bearing witness to the profound impact she made in her lifetime. As we remember Lynne Taylor-Corbett, we celebrate her ability to transmute emotion into movement, solidifying her place as a treasured figure in the arts.