Paul Taylor Quotes

Powerful Paul Taylor for Daily Growth

About Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor (December 5, 1930 – August 28, 2018) was an influential American modern dance choreographer, dancer, and writer. Born in Washington D.C., he grew up in a family with deep roots in the performing arts: his mother, Phyllis Taylor, was a singer, and his father, Edwin Taylor, was a violinist and conductor for the U.S. Navy Band. In 1942, at the age of twelve, Paul began his dance training under the tutelage of modern dance pioneer Martha Graham. He later studied with Doris Humphrey and Hanya Holm, becoming one of the first male dancers to train in their technique. This eclectic training laid the foundation for Taylor's unique choreographic style that blended elements from classical ballet, modern dance, and gestural movement. In 1954, Paul Taylor Dance Company was founded, marking the beginning of Taylor's career as a professional choreographer. Over six decades, he created more than 140 dances for his company, which continues to perform worldwide. Some of his most notable works include "Esplanade" (1975), "Airs" (1983), and "Speaking in Tongues" (1988). Paul Taylor's choreography was characterized by its wit, emotional depth, and the exploration of human relationships. He often drew inspiration from various sources, including literature, art, and everyday life. His dances were known for their accessibility, resonating with audiences across generations. Throughout his career, Paul Taylor received numerous accolades, including a MacArthur Fellowship, two Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained humble about his contributions to the world of dance, once stating that "dance is the hidden language of the soul of the people." Paul Taylor passed away in 2018, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the realm of modern dance.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul, of the body."

This quote suggests that dance serves as an expression of our inner selves, a means to communicate emotions, thoughts, and feelings that may not be easily articulated through words. It's a universal form of communication that taps into our physicality, allowing us to convey a deep sense of emotion and spirit. Dance can act as a vessel for the soul to speak, connecting individuals across cultures and time.

"The dance is a spiritual journey that we take alone but together."

This quote by Paul Taylor suggests that the act of dancing, though individually performed, embodies a shared, profound, and spiritual experience. It highlights the unity in our personal growth and self-discovery, as each dancer navigates their unique journey within the collective context of dance, symbolizing human connection and communion.

"In dance there are no mistakes, only opportunities for new discoveries."

This quote by Paul Taylor emphasizes the idea that in dance (or any creative endeavor), there are no failures, but rather unexpected chances to explore, learn, and innovate. It suggests a mindset of flexibility, adaptability, and openness to the unforeseen possibilities that can arise when one takes risks or encounters challenges. Essentially, Taylor is urging us to embrace the unexpected as an opportunity for growth and self-expression.

"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful than you are, than you ever were, greater than anything."

This quote suggests that dancing provides an opportunity for a person to transcend their ordinary self, becoming something larger, more beautiful, and greater than they have ever been before. In essence, it's about expressing oneself in a way that goes beyond personal limitations and reveals a deeper, more profound aspect of one's identity. The act of dancing becomes a means to explore and manifest one's inner potential and beauty, as well as experiencing a moment of heightened aesthetic appreciation and emotional intensity.

"Dance is the epitome of art. It has cognitive content and emotional power, and it moves."

This quote by Paul Taylor suggests that dance is a pure form of artistic expression, encompassing both intellectual and emotional elements. Its power lies in its ability to communicate abstract ideas and evoke profound emotions while simultaneously moving the audience visually. Essentially, dance is a dynamic blend of thought, feeling, and motion, encapsulating the essence of art.

I get like a melody that comes up and I try to write it down or record it. Hum it into a tape recorder or write it down on some manuscript paper. It could happen at any time, on the road or off the road, but mostly, you know, at home.

- Paul Taylor

Some, Mostly, Tape Recorder, Hum

I don't really think about dance except just before rehearsals start. I put it off. I don't live my life thinking about dance.

- Paul Taylor

My Life, Think, Before, Rehearsals

I want to lift the audience to the miraculous in human nature. After all, we shouldn't be here, with all the odds against us in nature. It's kind of unusual and wonderful!

- Paul Taylor

Nature, Audience, Here, Odds

I want to build a studio in my backyard. The interest rates are low now, so who knows.

- Paul Taylor

Want, Studio, Interest Rates, Backyard

Now my main goal is my solo career, so I want to keep doing that.

- Paul Taylor

Goal, Career, Doing, Solo

By the end of it, you never know how it's going to turn out. Hopefully if I pick the right songs and put the right melodies on it and all the collaboration works out. it's a win-win situation.

- Paul Taylor

Going, Melodies, Works, Hopefully

I know I can't do everything myself. So I know I specialize in my melodies and I do some of my demo work. I pass it on to my producers who are much better at the production level.

- Paul Taylor

Some, Melodies, Pass, Producers

My sound is very smooth. Not to be to cliche, but really sensual and sultry.

- Paul Taylor

Sensual, Very, Cliche, Smooth

I like to do cover songs if I really love them, I have to love the song first.

- Paul Taylor

Love, Song, Cover, To Love

A lot of people are doing something about their weight, but by their own reckoning, it isn't enough to get the results they want.

- Paul Taylor

Doing, Want, Own, Reckoning

I grew up in Denver, Colorado. After high school I went to Vegas.

- Paul Taylor

Vegas, High, Denver, Colorado

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