On January 12, 2023, the world of dance and theater lost a remarkable figure when Lynne Taylor-Corbett succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 78. Widely celebrated as both a Tony Award-nominated choreographer and a visionary artist, Taylor-Corbett carved out a distinguished path in Broadway and Hollywood. Her work not only delighted audiences but also reshaped the landscape of dance in theater and film. Taylor-Corbett’s legacy is marked by her unique ability to merge technical elegance with vibrant storytelling through movement.
Born Lynne Aileen Taylor on December 2, 1946, in Denver, Colorado, Lynne’s journey into the world of performance arts began in her formative years. After graduating high school, she relocated to New York City, where she enrolled at the prestigious School of American Ballet. Despite harboring dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, she quickly realized that the strict confines of classical ballet were not her calling. Acknowledging her own limitations, she once reflected, “I was never really suited to be a ballet dancer, but I had a gift for theatricality and movement.” This self-awareness led her to pivot towards choreography, which would become her true artistic home.
Taylor-Corbett made her Broadway debut in 1981 with the production of *Shakespeare’s Cabaret*. This initial engagement marked the beginning of a prolific career on the Broadway stage. By the mid-1980s she had secured a reputation as a formidable choreographer, with works for esteemed organizations like the American Ballet Theater and the City Ballet. Her style blended classical techniques with a modern theatrical flair, earning her recognition across the industry.
One of her most ambitious projects was the 1988 musical *Chess*, which showcased her ability to tell complex narratives through choreography. Though the production was short-lived, it cemented her status as an innovative force in musical theater. In 1994, she contributed her talents to *Sally Marr… And Her Escorts*, a pivotal biographical work starring Joan Rivers. The intersection of her choreography with compelling storytelling gave the show a distinct vibrancy.
In 1997, Taylor-Corbett achieved one of her career’s high points with the big-budget musical *Titanic*. Her work on this production was not only technically demanding but also emotionally resonant, capturing the tragic grandeur of the story. This was followed by her leadership on *Swing!*, a lively homage to jazz and swing music that further showcased her creative versatility, cementing her dual role as both choreographer and director.
Cinematic Ventures and Enduring Influence
Beyond the Broadway stage, Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s impact extended to Hollywood. In 1984, she choreographed the iconic dance sequence in *Footloose*, featuring Kevin Bacon in a performance that would become emblematic of 1980s pop culture. This pivotal scene not only elevated the film but also established Taylor-Corbett as a creative force in the film industry. Subsequent collaborations on films like *My Blue Heaven*, *Vanilla Sky*, and *Bewitched* underscored her adaptability and influence across both theater and cinema.
Taylor-Corbett’s creative endeavors were characterized by an unmistakable passion for dance and storytelling, setting her apart from her contemporaries. Her ability to capture the essence of a song or the emotion of a moment through movement has inspired countless dancers and choreographers who came after her.
Lynne Taylor-Corbett is survived by her son, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, as well as numerous siblings who carry forward her spirit and love for the arts. Her departure leaves a void in the world of dance, but her innovative contributions will continue to resonate within the industry for generations. As we reflect on her life and work, it is evident that Taylor-Corbett was not just a choreographer; she was a pioneer whose artistic vision expanded the boundaries of dance in theater and film, ensuring her indelible mark on the performing arts.
In celebrating her legacy, we recognize the importance of finding one’s unique path and pursuing it with passion—a lesson embodied by the life of Lynne Taylor-Corbett. Her remarkable career serves as an enduring inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere, reminding us that creativity knows no bounds.
