The performing arts have always been enriched by those who dare to push creative boundaries, and Lynne Taylor-Corbett was among the luminaries of her generation. The esteemed choreographer, who passed away on January 12 at the age of 78 due to breast cancer, left an indelible imprint on both Broadway and Hollywood. Her passing not only marks the loss of a gifted artist but also shines a light on the remarkable journey of a woman who shaped the dance landscape over several decades. Her son, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, spoke with The New York Times to inform the world of her death, highlighting the familial love that flourished throughout her life.
A Journey from Denver to New York
Born in Denver on December 2, 1946, Lynne Aileen Taylor embraced her passion for dance early on. With aspirations to become a ballet dancer, she transitioned to New York to study at the revered School of American Ballet after completing high school. However, she soon realized that her path lay elsewhere. “I was never really suited to be a ballet dancer,” she reflected in a later interview, acknowledging her unique talents that flourished in theatrical settings. This moment of self-awareness was pivotal; it represented the evolution of her career from aspiring ballerina to celebrated choreographer.
In the early 1980s, Taylor-Corbett’s career began to take shape as she collaborated with notable institutions like the American Ballet Theatre and the City Ballet. Her diverse commissions also spanned other prominent dance companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, revealing her versatility and demand as a choreographer in both lyrical and narrative forms.
Broadway Breakthroughs
Taylor-Corbett’s Broadway debut arrived in 1981 with a captivating production of Shakespeare’s “Cabaret.” It was her unique choreographic style that caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, leading to more significant projects. Her choreography for the musical “Chess” in 1988 earned her a higher profile, cementing her status among Broadway’s elite artists.
Another significant chapter in her Broadway journey was her work in the poignant “Titanic,” which premiered in 1997, alongside the biographical musical “Jackie,” centered on the life of Jackie Kennedy. Through these highlights, Taylor-Corbett captivated audiences with dynamic, emotional storytelling that seamlessly blended movement and narrative, a hallmark of her artistic identity.
Having created a vibrant atmosphere in the Broadway ecosystem, she ventured into a world that melded music and choreography in her 2000 production of “Swing!” This musical revue celebrated the rich history of jazz and swing music and showcased classic hits such as “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” Her nomination for both choreography and direction for this show highlighted her dual talents and marked her as a multifaceted visionary.
Taylor-Corbett’s influence extended beyond the Great White Way into the glittering realm of Hollywood. Her contributions to films altered the way audiences experienced dance on the big screen. Her iconic choreography for Kevin Bacon in the 1984 film “Footloose” was groundbreaking. The film’s memorable dance sequences captured the electric energy of the ’80s, propelling Bacon into superstardom. This success opened the doors to further cinematic opportunities, leading her to work on projects like “My Blue Heaven,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Bewitched.” Her cinematic choreographic style synthesized movement with narrative emotion, enchanting viewers and setting a standard for future dance in film.
Lynne Taylor-Corbett leaves behind a legacy characterized by her artistic tenacity and commercial success in dance. Survived by her son and several siblings, the warmth of her familial connections underscored a life lived purposefully within the arts. Her indelible mark on both Broadway and Hollywood serves as a testament to her creativity, passion, and dedication. This striking intersection of theatricality and choreography reminds us that dancing is not merely a performance; it is a form of storytelling that transcends cultural barriers and unites audiences.
In honor of Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s contributions to dance, her spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of artists to follow their passions and innovate in their creative realms. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of dance in shaping not only careers but also the lives of countless individuals who seek to find their voice through movement.