Lynne Taylor-Corbett, the influential choreographer who brought vibrancy to both Broadway and Hollywood, passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 78, succumbing to breast cancer in a hospital in Rockville Centre, New York. Her passing marks the end of an era filled with creativity, innovation, and an unwavering passion for dance, as shared by her son, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, in an announcement to The New York Times.
Born Lynne Aileen Taylor in Denver on December 2, 1946, she initially had aspirations of becoming a ballet dancer. After graduating high school, she sought to fulfill her dreams by moving to New York City to enroll in the School of American Ballet. However, she soon realized that the strictures of classical ballet did not align with her artistic sensibilities. As she candidly reflected, “I was never really suited to be a ballet dancer, but I had a gift for theatricality and movement.” This realization catalyzed her transition into choreography, where she would create movements that transcended traditional forms, blending ballet with theatrical elements.
Through her hard work and talent, Taylor-Corbett secured her place in the choreographic world by the early 1980s, contributing to esteemed institutions such as the American Ballet Theater and the New York City Ballet. Her ability to intertwine different dance styles enabled her to commission works with other prominent dance companies, making her a versatile figure in the community.
Taylor-Corbett’s Broadway debut came in 1981 with the production of *Shakespeare’s Cabaret*, paving the way for a prolific career characterized by remarkable performances. In 1985, she choreographed *The Boys of Winter*, solidifying her talents within a rapidly evolving theatrical landscape. Her work on the fleeting but impactful musical *Chess* in 1988 showcased her capacity for innovation, despite the show’s short lifespan on the Great White Way. However, it was her choreography for the 1994 production of *Sally Marr…And Her Escorts* that further magnified her presence, with legendary actress Joan Rivers taking center stage.
Her major breakthrough arrived with the big-budget musical *Titanic* in 1997, which not only received commercial acclaim but also showcased her artistic prowess in a more massive scope. Taylor-Corbett’s resounding success continued with the acclaimed Jackie Kennedy bio-musical and culminated in 2000 with the energetic Broadway revue, *Swing!*, which celebrated classic jazz and swing music. Her dual nominations for both choreography and direction reflected her extraordinary ability to mesmerize audiences through compelling storytelling and kinetic energy.
While locking down the Broadway scene, Taylor-Corbett maintained a steady presence in Hollywood. She made significant contributions to film choreography, starting with the iconic dance scene in the 1984 movie *Footloose*. This sequence, featuring Kevin Bacon’s electric performance to the film’s titular song by Kenny Loggins, became a cultural phenomenon. It not only propelled Bacon’s career to new heights but also established Taylor-Corbett as a go-to choreographer in the film industry.
Her striking choreography resonated in various films throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, including *My Blue Heaven*, *Vanilla Sky*, and *Bewitched*, showcasing her versatility in different genres. The dances she crafted went on to inspire countless imitations and parodies, solidifying her status in both theater and film as a trailblazer who combined artistry with entertainment in a unique manner.
Lynne Taylor-Corbett leaves behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of stage and screen. She is survived by her son, Shaun, and her sisters, all of whom remember her not only as an extraordinary artist but also as a loving family member who inspired those around her. She will be remembered for her unique contributions to dance and for her immense talent in making each performance a vivid tapestry of movement and emotion. As the world mourns, it celebrates a dancer who transformed her limitations into limitless creative expressions, touching the lives of audiences worldwide.