The Juilliard School

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Reflections

Paul Taylor ('53, dance) was hailed as "the reigning master of modern dance" by Time magazine. In 2004-05 the company that bears his name celebrated its 50th anniversary. His innovative choreography (he has an impressive collection of some 125 dances to his credit) has been performed by leading companies worldwide. Taylor is the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts, an Emmy, and the Légion d'Honneur (France's highest honor); three Guggenheim Fellowships and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (often called the "genius award"); and honorary doctorate degrees from Juilliard, California Institute of the Arts, Connecticut College, Duke University, Skidmore College, the State University of New York at Purchase, and Syracuse University.

Left to right: Paul Taylor, Patricia Sparrow, and Harry Bernstein rehearsing Doris Humphrey's "Desert Gods" from Song of the West at Juilliard in 1953. (Photo by Rama)

What was behind your choice to attend Juilliard?

A college degree (to please my mother).

How does what you learned at Juilliard shape your daily life?

I learned not to be overly critical of academicians.

Can you recall a specific Juilliard experience that resulted in an important insight?

Watching a stage rehearsal of the [Martha] Graham Company made me sure that joining that company would be a great idea.

What do you remember about your first day(s) as a Juilliard student?

Sore feet.

When you were at Juilliard, what was your plan for the future? How has that plan turned out?

Had no plan … I just wanted to be a dancer. It turned out swell.

What Juilliard teacher made the largest impact on you and what was that impact?

The [then] director of the Dance Division, Martha Hill: her devotion to dance, and her belief in me. Also, choreography teacher Louis Horst's amazing ability to smoke a cigarette, play the piano, and watch his students all at the same time.

Return to the Alumni Reflections index page.

What do you remember most about your Juilliard audition?

Teacher Antony Tudor's smirk. (He later got me a job.) Also, teacher Margaret Craske's kindness.

What would you say to a prospective Juilliard student who wasn't sure if this was the place for him/her?

Forget it.

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