The world of dance mourns the loss of one of its most vibrant and innovative figures, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, who passed away from breast cancer on January 12 at the age of 78. Her death marks not just the loss of a talented choreographer but also the end of an era where her contributions shaped both Broadway and Hollywood dance alike. With a career that transcended mere choreography, Taylor-Corbett’s work resonated deeply across various forms of artistic expression, leaving a footprint that will surely inspire future generations of artists.
Early Life and Aspirations
Born Lynne Aileen Taylor in Denver on December 2, 1946, her journey into the arts began at a young age, and it was clear from the start that she had an affinity for movement. After completing high school, she moved to New York to further hone her skills at the esteemed School of American Ballet. Despite her aspirations, she soon recognized that her talents were not best suited for a traditional ballet career. In her own words, she realized, “I was never really suited to be a ballet dancer, but I had a gift for theatricality and movement.” This pivotal moment redirected her path from aspiring dancer to choreographed storytelling, a shift that would set the stage for her prolific career.
Taylor-Corbett’s breakout as a choreographer started in the early 1980s when she made her mark on the American Ballet Theater and City Ballet. Her versatility led to collaborations with premier dance companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The Broadway stage beckoned her talent, and she made her debut in 1981 with “Shakespeare’s Cabaret,” quickly followed by “The Boys of Winter” in 1985. However, it was her work on the musical “Chess” in 1988 that secured her a place among Broadway’s key players, showcasing her ability to adapt and innovate within the ever-changing landscape of musical theater.
One of Taylor-Corbett’s most notable achievements came in 1997 with the musical “Titanic,” where she choreographed complex sequences that brought the renowned tragedy to life in a uniquely captivating format. Additionally, her directing and choreographic efforts in the lively revue “Swing!” showcased her love for jazz and swing music, diversifying the Broadway experience for audiences. Her nomination for a Tony Award for both her choreography and direction in “Swing!” serves as a testament to her multifaceted talent and her capability to meld different forms of artistic expression seamlessly.
Beyond the bright lights of Broadway, Taylor-Corbett left an enduring mark in Hollywood as well. Her collaboration with Kevin Bacon on the iconic dance sequence in the 1984 film “Footloose” established her as a choreographer whose insight into movement aligned perfectly with cinematic storytelling. The energetic performance set the standard for dance scenes in film, capturing the vibrancy of youth and rebellion and cementing Bacon’s star status. Taylor-Corbett continued to forge a successful path in Hollywood, lending her expertise to movies like “My Blue Heaven,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Bewitched,” where her choreographic touch brought additional layers of narrative depth to these projects.
A Personal Legacy
Lynne Taylor-Corbett is survived by her son, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, who announced her passing, as well as her sisters, which speaks to the close-knit family that supported her throughout her remarkable journey. While her presence will be deeply missed, her artistic legacy continues to inspire and fuel the aspirations of dancers, choreographers, and artists everywhere. Taylor-Corbett’s influence in dance, theater, and film encapsulates a unique blend of creativity, passion, and dedication to the arts, ensuring that her spirit endures in every performance that embodies her vision.
In every pirouette, every jazz step, and every theatrical movement, the artistry of Lynne Taylor-Corbett will live on, reminding us of the extraordinary power of dance as a means of storytelling and emotional expression.
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